Lectures, panel discussions and performances are scheduled across campus this year in observance of the third annual Leadership Week. Exciting speakers and panelists, including current City of Columbia elected officials, entrepreneurs and former South Carolina first lady Rachel Hodges, will be on hand to share their experiences during the third annual Leadership Week taking place Jan. 28 – Feb. 2.
Provost Joan Gabel says, “We launched Leadership Week to bring together our shared cross-campus efforts to facilitate and advance our students’ future potential. Our schools and colleges, living learning communities, and student support teams provide insight and hands-on experiences for students but also for faculty, staff and the community as a whole. We hope and expect the entire UofSC family will benefit tremendously from all the planned events.”
Leadership is a lifelong journey and we are grateful to help students pause, reflect, and connect with others …
Ambra Hiott, Director of the Leadership and Service Center
Leadership Week will kickoff on Monday, Jan. 28 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the Leadership and Service Center, on the second floor of the Russell House. Stop by to learn what the Leadership and Service Center has to offer as well as participate in a leadership challenge, grab a free t-shirt, and take pictures with Cocky.
Leadership and Service Center Director Ambra Hiott says, “Leadership is a lifelong journey and we are grateful to help students pause, reflect, and connect with others to advance our communities forward not only during Leadership Week but throughout their college careers.”
More than 70 events are planned to align with students’ individual leadership interests and schedules.
Leadership Week culminates on Saturday, Feb. 2 with the 33rdannual Student Leadership and Diversity Conference (SLDC) hosted by the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and Leadership and Service Center. Each year, approximately 500 participants arrive eager to learn about the intersection of leadership and diversity through stepping outside of their comfort zone, asking questions, networking, and engaging with others.
Past conference participants have rave reviews about the conference and the speakers.
“SLDC is a great resource for students to develop their leadership skills in a low pressure environment before showcasing their abilities to larger audiences. I’m excited to see how the different presenters emphasize diversity in leadership roles,” says Amelia Wilks, a junior public health major in the Arnold School of Public Health and a student member of the SLDC Planning Committee.
This year’s theme “Be What’s Next” will highlight how we can take messages from our favorite shows and put those lessons into action for enhanced leadership and a more socially just world. Throughout the day participants will learn about best practices to develop a leadership identity, social justice and inclusion, sustainable positive change, and maximizing student leadership experiences.
“College is where we go to discover who we are and what we aspire to be. A leadership and diversity conference like this gives students the skills and perspectives to identify themselves, as well as appreciate the differences in others as we confront a diverse world stage,” says She-Nice Hicks, a junior in international studies in the College of Arts and Sciences and a student member of the SLDC Planning Committee.
Visit our website for a complete list of Leadership Week activities.