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.
While we recommend a strong GPA (above 3.0) and strong test scores, the primary focus of the selection committee will be on:
All those selected for membership in the Presidential Leadership Fellows program must arrive on campus for PLF orientation prior to the beginning of fall semester, and we request your attendance at Summer Orientation. Being a part of the on-campus PLF Living and Learning Community is integral to the program and strongly encouraged; a limited number of exceptions may be allowed.