Student participants gain an understanding that leadership development is a lifelong journey involving vision, relationships, and integrity. For more than two years WIU faculty, staff, and administration were involved in planning for this nationally recognized leadership program. The LeaderShape Institute is a part of LeaderShape Inc., a national nonprofit organization. The program is designed to give participants a better understanding of how to develop their leadership project or vision and share it with others. After the LeaderShape Institute, students then apply this knowledge to implement their vision and change some aspect about their campus, community or work environment.
Students also learn about the strengths and weaknesses of different personality types.
Finally, the importance of leading with integrity is conveyed through several exercises and discussions that focus on trust and respect. Plans are already in the works to continue to support the institute participants through reunions, meetings and project success reports, Comerford said. WIU faculty, staff and administration were asked to nominate students for this new program, and from that more than 300 letters were sent to nominees asking them to apply for the Western LeaderShape Institute. Western LeaderShape Institute participants from the spring semester included 26 students. These LeaderShape graduates can and will lead with integrity.