Dr. Brenda White Wright Emerging Leaders Academy

Program Overview

The Dr. Brenda White Wright Emerging Leaders Academy is an eight week leadership development program with weekly meetings that focus on critical skills such as leadership style, diversity and inclusion, communication, conflict management, and time management. Selected participants will attend an overnight "advance" and complete a service project in order to receive ETSU's Emerging Leaders Certificate.

This program is grounded in servant leadership, or the constant aid to others around you. Dr. White Wright believes that being a leader is not about you, but what you can do for others and the community. ​

The main takeaway from ELA is to be a leader for those around you and take those you serve to where they need to be, rather than where they want to be.​

Program Objectives:

• Students will explore their own diverse leadership styles and strengths
• Students will participate in developmental activities relating to advocacy and diversity appreciation
• Students will learn about and have an opportunity to work in a team
• Students will complete a service project
• Students will learn valuable skills (e.g. communication, inclusion, time management, conflict resolution, problem solving) that are applicable to leadership situations
• Students will become aware of general University procedures and resources available.

Emerging Leaders Academy graduates have become:

• Various roles with Student Government Association (President, Secretary, Senator, Chief of Staff)
• 
  President of Buctainment, ETSU's Student Programming Board
• International Buccaneer Buddies Group Leader
• President of various student organizations (Volunteer ETSU
• 
  Various roles with ETSU Housing (Resident Assistant, Hall Council)