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Preparing the next generation of change agents to positively impact their communities involves investing in and empowering them to become effective leaders. 

In light of this, ����ֱ�� State University has established a Leadership Center to develop the next generation of ethical, purposeful change agents and thought leaders committed to creating positive change. The new center, located on the second floor of the ����ֱ�� Student Center, opened its doors to students in April and will teach and enhance students’ leadership skills for personal and career success.

Christian Hightower, assistant director of student leadership development for the Center for Student Involvement, says the new initiative aligns perfectly with the mission of the institution.

“The need for the ����ֱ�� State Leadership Center emerged out of a commitment from the university to develop leaders and change agents who will positively impact organizations, communities and the greater society,” Mr. Hightower says.

Mr. Hightower says the center will serve as a hub for leadership development.

“There is an abundance of co-curricular leadership development initiatives and opportunities available across campus, and this new space will continue to enhance how we are intentional about centralizing these experiences and maximizing students' development in this area,” Mr. Hightower says.

The center will serve as a resource for students to strategically map out their leadership journey with respect to their unique talents, interests and needs. Students will have access to an abundance of innovative educational resources through the center, but it will also serve as a platform to elevate the exceptional leadership development and training experiences offered throughout the institution. 
The ����ֱ�� State Leadership Center also will use its new Twitter page as a central source of information to connect with current and aspiring student leaders by sharing information about leadership conferences and workshops, student organization consultations, experiential and applied learning opportunities, and more.

The Center for Student Involvement held a Leadership Summit on April 4 at the ����ֱ�� Student Center where members of the campus community celebrated the unveiling of a new leadership development framework and engaged in discussion with notable leadership scholar Julie Owen, Ph.D., associate professor of leadership and integrative studies at George Mason University.

����ֱ�� State’s Leadership Center is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

For more information about ����ֱ�� State’s Leadership Center and how to get involved, visit www.kent.edu/csi/leadership or email lead@kent.edu.