Program returns, makes changes
By Kristi Walker
Staff Reporter

This semester, more than 100 freshmen have been chosen to participate in the new Chancellor’s Leadership Program to promote student leadership in the community and on campus.

The four-year program is designed to cultivate leaders and help them become social change advocates and active citizens, said Leadership Center director Cyndi Walsh.

About 650 freshman applied, Walsh said. Those chosen to participate in the program showed a commitment to social change and social issues in their application essay, she said.

“The hope for CLP is to instill the skills and the passion within the students to institute social change that the students will continue to use after college,” Walsh said.

With required involvements such as a mentorship with a faculty member, attendance to cultural events, community service and other on- and off-campus events, the students are sure to gain experience and qualities that employers will look for after graduation, Walsh said.

Stephanie Jones, a freshman premajor who will be involved in the program, said that at first, the four-year layout looked intimidating. However, she said she likes to lead people and create interest in upcoming events.

“The leadership center can help me improve my skills to direct events and others,” Jones said. “I am excited about that.”

Jones said she wants to be involved in several on-campus organizations and hopes for leadership opportunities in those.

Neal Jackson, a freshman neuroscience major, said he hopes to meet people that will inspire him to do great deeds.

Jackson, another Chancellor’s Leadership Program member, said, “I am excited about the opportunity to work with a team of highly-motivated individuals to help influence the Fort Worth community.”

Jackson said he looks forward to the cultural diversity that this opportunity will offer.

“I think it will be a great chance to raise cultural awareness since there are so many cultural ancestries represented in the group,” he said.

Freshman Spanish and international political science major Matt Owens said the program interested him because it is something new for TCU.

“I’ve always given my two cents about things,” Owens said. “And I always put forth a tremendous effort in things that I do, so I want to give this my best shot.”

He said that his hope is not only to strengthen his leadership skills, but also to give back to the community since there is always someone in need of help.

The Chancellor’s Leadership Program is scheduled to have its first meeting Sept. 10.