Contact: Sammy McDavid
Mississippi State students now have another opportunity for leadership training and a national insurance company is helping the program get off the ground.
LeaderState, created during the fall semester by the university's Office of Student Life, is receiving a "generous" startup donation from the regional office of State Farm Insurance Cos. The inaugural class includes 60 students from around the state and region, said Eddie Keith, director of Student Life and the Colvard Union.
"LeaderState participants have an opportunity to interact with civic, business and educational leaders to learn from their experiences," Keith said. "During the school-year-long program, they also are being encouraged to develop their own individual leadership styles and strengths as they interact with others in the program."
Keith praised State Farm's Alabama-Mississippi district for its support. He said the Student Life Office is respecting the donors' wish to keep private the amount of the gift.
"Anytime you launch a new program, the matter of start-up expenses comes into play," Keith said. "Thanks to the generous support of Mr. Bill Tevendale and others with State Farm's two-state region, our students are off to an excellent start."
Tevendale, of Birmingham, is agency vice president. Local State Farm representatives involved in the donation include agency field executive Joe Hodges of Columbus and agents Frank Chiles, Carles McComb and Jack Forbus, all of Starkville, and Gary Eldridge of Meridian.
Hodges and the agents recently came to campus to present the gift to Keith and Bill Foster, Division of Student Affairs development officer. Tevendale was unable to attend.
To be selected for LeaderState, candidates must be a junior or senior and be nominated by faculty, staff, student organizations, or other students. Students also can personally request consideration.
"Final selections are made by a committee on the basis of involvement in campus activities, community service activities, previous leadership experience, and a self-professed motivation for participation," Keith said.
Selected students must agree to attend six monthly sessions usually lasting about 90 minutes. They also must complete at least 20 hours of community service during the school year.
Former governor William Winter and state Supreme Court Justice Bill Waller Jr., a 1974 MSU graduate, are among guest leaders for the 1998-99 sessions, Keith said.