College of Arts and Sciences Launches Distinctive Leadership Scholars Program
Welcoming the next generation of leaders.
By Dan Bernardi
Emma Fenton ’23, a forensic science and math dual major, notes the importance of the faculty and staff support available to the Leadership students. She says, “My mentors have helped me with applications for a summer internship and an honors internship with the FBI. My advisor in the Honors Program has helped me initiate a research opportunity dealing with cold cases.”
The emotional rewards of being a Leadership Scholar are just as important to the students as the financial and academic opportunities. Smith, the pre-med track biology major, says, “The monetary scholarship, opportunity to apply to the Renée Crown University Honors Program, research stipend and mentoring was a package I couldn’t pass up. But Leadership is more than just financial support. It gives confidence, responsibility, motivation and the chance to achieve greatness.”
Fenton agrees, saying, “Being part of the Leadership community gives you another home on campus. I love to meet my fellow Scholars. It means a lot to meet people like me and get the chance to talk to each other.”
High-achieving students like Fenton and Smith have many choices of where to attend college. The Leadership Scholars program is another advantage that the College of Arts and Sciences can offer to academically gifted students. Along the way, it helps elevate A&S’ standing among prospective faculty and students.
With the inaugural class of 35 Scholars now enrolled, Anderson hopes to grow the program to 50 students per year. “We want students to take full advantage of the liberal arts by embracing multiple academic interests and combining topics of study in uncommon or unexpected ways,” he says.
The Leadership Scholars program is a campaign priority for A&S. As Emma Fenton notes, “It is a gift for future students.”