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Katie Grindstaff - Maggie Presley - David Kefene - Raphael Papus Myiba- Omokeshi Adurodija
- Zeb Web- Nate Hunter - Emily Poche - Alexis Lamb - Maggie Beth Kimbro - Khalil Lynch-
Camden Reese- India Robinson - Braden Crisp- Callie Akers- Skylar Brackett- Rachel
Altemose - Jordan Fanuele - Mollie Smith - Anna White - Julianne Barteck- Emma-Wallen-Hannah
O'Hare- Soren Jones
Our Mission
To identify, encourage, and support students as they develop knowledge and skills to become effective servant leaders at ETSU and beyond.
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)
Application Process
The Emerging Leaders Academy is open to any student who is in "good academic standing" and has not held a position of leadership in a student organization. Preference is given to first year students with the intent that participants apply the leadership skills gained from the Academy on campus in the coming years. The eight week program takes place each spring and students accepted must attend 100% of the scheduled dates in order to receive the certificate of completion.
The application for the Class of 2025 is now closed. Interviews will be held on Wednesday, October 23 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m, Thursday, October 24 from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m, Friday, October 25 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m, Tuesday, October 29 from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m and lastly on Wednesday, October 30 from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. All interviews will take place via Zoom.
If you have questions about applying or about ELA in general, please email lead@etsu.edu or come by and see us in the Carrier Center on the 2nd floor of the Culp.
ELA Class of 2024 Highlights
Click the image to watch the highlight video