OVER , ABOVE , BEYOND demonstrated interest in and passion for leadership to continue to develop their skills upon coming to college . Prior to arriving at SU , Leadership Scholars have often held leadership positions in community and faith organizations , student government , or athletic teams and associations . The Leadership Scholars program at Stevenson builds on these experiences and encourages students to think about leadership in different ways while developing new skills and competencies . The program promotes “ leadership through action , not position ,” reminding students that any opportunity can be a leadership opportunity . Faculty Director for Leadership Scholars , Ryan Clark , Associate Professor of Theatre & Media Performance , describes these students as “ defined by their curiosity .” He explains , “ They are hungry for theory , practice and creativity in their pursuit to become the leaders we need in the 21st century .” Leadership Scholars take a sequence of four one-credit courses in Leadership , through which they learn
the basics of leadership skills , presentation and communication , leadership theory , and practical application . Taught by SU faculty from across the academic schools and departments , each course is interdisciplinary , giving students the opportunity to experience diverse approaches to the subject matter .
Anna Kayes , Ed . D ., Professor of Business Administration , developed and teaches the course LDR 301 : Leadership from Theory to Practice , which is generally taken by students in their sophomore or junior year . Building on her professional background in human resources , Kayes chose to make leadership the focus of her own academic research , and is now a nationallyrecognized leader in the field and on campus . She is the author of numerous books and articles on leadership including the forthcoming peer-reviewed book Judgment and Leadership : A Multidisciplinary Approach to Concepts , Practice , and Development ( Edward Elgar Press ), which “ brings together 25 + well known international scholars from multiple disciplines to offer unique , compelling , and insightful work on judgment and leadership .” Students in Kayes ’ LDR 301 class work through three main ideas : 1 ) leadership is a process , 2 ) leadership can be shared among team members , and 3 ) leadership can be learned and developed . Kayes promotes the integration of theory and practice , noting that students can use leadership opportunities on campus to practice the approaches they learn in class . The learning process then comes full circle when students reflect on their leadership skills and abilities in class and community events . This integrated approach has clear benefits for students . As aptly expressed by sophomore Nursing major , Naomi Njau , participating in the program “ has positively changed my perspective on what leadership is and what it means to be a leader . I am now more appreciative of the small steps I take towards leadership . The program has enhanced my leadership skills and contributed to my confidence .”
Outside the classroom , students attend multiple meetings of the Leadership Seminar each semester . This seminar brings campus and community leaders to meet with students in small groups and share their leadership stories , answer questions , and engage in dialogue . Recent Leadership Seminars have featured community members such as Jim Ansara , Co-founder and Director of Build Health International , and David Vahos , Senior Vice President and CFO of Baltimore Gas and Electric . Leaders from the SU community have also given their time and talents to
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