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Student Super Leaders

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Southern Leadership Academy

Did you know?

  • 77.2% of employers want to see leadership skills on a resume
  • 95% of employers believe leadership skills should be developed while in college

In 2017, the Super Leader Program became the Southern Leadership Academy. The Southern Leadership Academy is a joint effort between Missouri Southern State University and the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Network to identify, cultivate and motivate future community leaders currently enrolled in college. This informative and thought provoking program introduces participants to the community and career opportunities. In addition, Southern Leadership Academy provides a strategic curriculum to enhance participants' leadership skills. Anyone who has a genuine interest in community leadership and wants to broaden their scope of knowledge beyond their current level is encouraged to apply to the Southern Leadership Academy.

By the end of the Southern Leadership Academy, participants will:

  • Cultivate and develop leadership skills
  • Better understand the community
  • See Joplin in terms of the "big picture"
  • Gain valuable networking contacts
  • Learn about career opportunities in the community

Each session is different and designed to expose participants to all aspects of the day's topic. The schedule shows the commitment required and it is important to understand the expectation of attendance at all sessions. If you have a conflict with session dates please consider waiting to apply until next semester.

2019 Spring Program *Applications Due Wednesday,January 23, 2019

  • Friday, February 1, 1 - 6 pm Leadership Development, Part 1
  • Saturday, February 2, 10 am - 4 pm Leadership Development, Part 2
  • Friday, February 15, 1 - 6 pm Marketing, Media, and Advertising
  • Friday, March 1, 1 - 6 pm Small Business and Entrepreneurship
  • Friday, March 15, 1 - 6 pm Non-Profit and Volunteerism
  • Friday, March 29, 1 - 6 pm Manufacturing and Logistics
  • Friday, April 12, 1 - 6 pm Healthcare Industry
  • Friday, April 26, 1 - 6 pm Finance and Civic Involvement
  • Friday, May 3, 1 - 5 pm Leadership Development, Part 3
  • Friday, May 3, 6 - 7 pm Induction Ceremony

Program Expectations

  • Attend all scheduled sessions
  • Meet with a counselor for a resume review appointment
  • Meet with director for leadership coaching appointment
  • Attend one Career Services event throughout the semester
  • Participate in one YPN Gives Back event
  • Minimum 2.5 GPA
  • Completed 30 or more credit hours
  • Enrolled in at least 6 hours for the semester

The Selection Process

Program participation is limited to 11-15 students per semester, depending on program funding. Students must submit a completed application and payment of $25 or essay to be considered for the program. Application costs will be refunded to candidates not selected. In addition to reviewing each individual's qualifications, the committee strives for a broad spectrum of experience, background and majors.

Southern Leadership Academy selection is based on the following individual criteria:

  • Completed application and $25 payment *Waivers are available to cover the application cost.
  • Personal Interview
  • Involvement or desire to become involved on-campus or in the community
  • Demonstrated ability and desire to assume greater community and campus leadership responsibility
  • A clear willingness to make a commitment to the demands of the program

Application Cost Waiver

To apply for an application cost waiver:

  • Write a one page maximum essay on why you would like to participate in the Southern Leadership Academy
  • How it could benefit you
  • Your commitment to the program and its requirements

Attach the essay with your application in lieu of the application cost and bring it to the Career Service Office on the third floor of Hearnes Hall.

Check out what our past graduates had to say about the former Super Leaders Program:

Meet our current and past participants!

Spring 2019

Kendric Carlock
Ethan Davis
Kennedee French
Tabitha Gray
Kawan Henry
Haroldo Hernandez
Rachel Hursh
Glen Luna
Rebecca Robinson
Melissa Ruiz
Chance Storm

Fall 2018

Alan Hass
Nikitha Lancy
Sherin Lancy
Brittany Minor
Yajaira Ordonez
Mikena Padgett
Janae Robinson
Ginger Sweet

Spring 2018

Silvio Arguello
Cathy Bennett
Mariana Bichara
Samantha Dry
Kierstin Lanham
Elizabeth Love
Mitch McGinty
Cortney Noll
Theodore Pashia
Angela Shin
Hope Tian

Fall 2017

Brett Bierbrauer
Heather Collins
Caleb House
Maria Howe
Merjen Nurberdiyeva
Valentine Peyton
Peyton Powell
Becca Ross
Ben Self
Laura Switzer
Christian Young

Spring 2017

Alex Alekhine
Alyssa Brewer
Monica Clement
Megan Cornwell
Julie Falleri
Kelsey Franklin
Bella Gawlik
Lucas Hertzberg
Grady Howell
Taylor Lansford
James McRoy

Fall 2016

Jordan Blythe
Samantha Dearman
Tyler Elsten
Ashton Gibson
Zackary Keckler
Brittany Minear
Ashley Nicholson
Kuta Suso
Chee Yang
Hope Yarick
Hae Chan Yoon

Spring 2016

Caroline Adams
Chelsey Caballero
Josh Foster
Jayse Henderson
Kacie Hulse
Olivia Massey
Marshall McCord
Megan Neely
Danae Randol
Emmalee Smith
YengZong Yang

Fall 2015

Bethany Ames
Hailey Bass
Evan Bass
Alyssa Farney
Ethan Hutcheson
Jayce Hylton
Colten Lintner
Jared Lupo
Torie Vaughn
Dillan Whistler
Casey Zeka

Spring 2015

Skyler Arbuckle
Matthew Armstrong
Ryan Buerk
Michael Chilton
Jamie Deese
Abigail Finder
Courtney Jablonski
Travis Lewis
Michael Maddock
Charynn Multhaup
Ashlea Norman
Shakira Gammill
Arielle Speer
Holly Stone
Kendra Tilton

Fall 2014

Timothy Arr
Jessica Beck
Juan Brady
Breana Clark
Kyle Davidson
Guillermo Diaz
Cara Gooch
Jacob Harp
Brooklyn Lampe
Jude Obeto
Inesa Stevens

Spring 2014

Cena Bass
Jared Beasley
William Bruan
Aliza Fahle
Gage Hanlon
Lindsey Miller
Matthew Pulsipher
Chase Starr-Kercheval
Kenzo Van Baal
Joseph Vanhorn

Fall 2013

Haddy Faal
Aja Gwaro
Agie Mai Jammeh
Madison Kienzle
Denis Kuzmin
Joshua LeMasters
Ashleigh McFarland
Peter Thompson

Spring 2013

AshLeigh Clarkson Thomlinson
Venus Day
Mary Duncan
Aji Sophie Jeng
Viktoryia Johnson
Josh Lowry
Tom Ly
Audrey Mathis
Meredith Murray
Kayla Smith
Caleb Wheeler

Fall 2012

Deana Fanning
Cory Garr
Lauren Geraghty
Garret Lambert
Jared Malcolm
Syleris Gwin Martinez
Lydia McGriff
Mattillyn Ott
Shelley Pritchett
Jace Waggoner
Gia Yang


Questions?

For more information about the Southern Leadership Academy:

Phone: 417-625-9343 or
Email: careerservices@mssu.edu