Contact: Maridith Geuder
STARKVILLE, Miss.--A recently approved addition to Mississippi State's curriculum will offer a minor in leadership studies to qualified students taking coursework in a specified program of studies.
Part of a "leadership continuum" established by university President Robert H. "Doc" Foglesong, the new academic component is among a variety of initiatives designed to help students from high school through graduate school develop critical leadership skills.
In addition to an academic leadership component, the "continuum" also includes the G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery Chapter of the Appalachian Leadership Honors Program for second- and third-year MSU students, a "Young Guns" program for rising high school seniors and a "Day One" experience for entering MSU freshmen.
The three programs, along with additional components being developed for athletes and graduate students, were conceptualized by Foglesong, a retired four-star Air Force general.
"We believe leadership should extend from the cradle to the chief executive's office, and we believe higher education has a pivotal role to play in fostering leadership skills," Foglesong said.
The new academic minor--available to entering freshmen and transfer students--will include courses in ethics, social sciences and communication. Each participating student also must complete an off-campus internship.
Specifics of the undergraduate minor were proposed by a campus committee made up of faculty and staff members, students and administrators. The effort was chaired by veteran psychology professor Thomas C. Carskadon, who holds the additional title of John Grisham Master Teacher.
"This is an interdisciplinary program that offers opportunities for coursework in philosophy, business, psychology, political science, communication, and a variety of other academic areas," said associate provost Jerry Gilbert. "It also will give students an opportunity to see those skills at work in a professional setting," he added.
Students successfully completing the required courses and internship will earn a designation on their official transcripts at the time of graduation.
For more information about Mississippi State University, see http://www.msstate.edu/.