PRESIDENTIAL
LEADERSHIP FELLOWS

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Presidential Leadership Fellows at Barton College seeks to prepare young leaders who will impact communities in new and exciting ways, engaging and leading in a variety of arenas and positions, in areas such as public policy, healthcare, global enterprise, education reform, the arts and international relations. Leadership Fellows will be challenged to think creatively about complex issues that will face the next generation in our ever-changing society, as they prepare for thoughtful and informed citizenship after graduation.

The program is a comprehensive four year experience with a distinctive focus each semester. Shadowing opportunities with alumni and community leaders will be included at various points throughout the program. Years three and four have “Leadership in Action” projects that will provide real-life opportunities, first on campus and then in the larger community. Those who successfully complete the four year sequence will receive a PLF Certificate and be honored at graduation. Becoming a Presidential Leadership Fellow is one of Barton’s most prestigious opportunities.

Residency on campus is required for the first three year of the program, where the PLF cohort will reside in an on-campus living/learning community. In addition to regular workshops and seminars, Fellows engage with our President, alumni, faculty, key administrators, board members, and civic leaders in the Wilson and Eastern North Carolina communities. First-year students will then serve as mentors to the next incoming cohort.

• Year One: Self-Discovery and Leadership Profiles
• Year Two: Ethical Leadership in a Changing World
• Year Three: Group Dynamics and Project Leadership
  Leadership In Action: The Barton Community
• Year Four: Leading to Make A Difference
  Leadership in Action: The Broader Community (Capstone Project)

While we recommend a strong GPA (above 3.0) and strong test scores, the primary focus of the selection committee will be on:

• leadership potential, as evidenced by previous leadership experience;
• expressed interest and commitment, as evidenced in the personal statement and nominator’s comments; and
• distinctive characteristics that each individual candidate will bring to the program.