What do Southern Leaders do?
Southern Leaders Program Basics
The Southern Leaders Program is based on the theoretical framework of transformational leadership as demonstrated through the “Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership” laid out in The Leadership Challenge (Kouzes & Posner, 1987). The program also involves multiple leadership theories, but relies on transformational leadership to provide the backbone of the program and the practical application of leadership development.
The Southern Leaders Program enables students to discover how their values and personality influence their leadership style, utilize their unique strengths to effectively accomplish goals through a team, develop their emotional intelligence, and lead positive change in their community/organization. As a result, students gain an advanced understanding of effective leadership and their personal leadership style.
In Spring 2018, the program evaluated its strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for development through student input. Based on this feedback, the program slightly adjusted its requirements and provided additional resources to its students. Additionally, the program aligned its format with leadership competencies outlined by Seemiller (2014).
To see Learning Outcomes and leadership competencies, please visit the page for each tier of the program.
Southern Leaders Program Breakdown
Southern Leaders is composed of three year-long certificate programs, each focusing on a specific area of leadership. Upon successful completion of a certificate program, Leaders receive a certificate and a digital badge to showcase on their LinkedIn profile.
Furthermore, Southern Leaders who complete all three certificate programs receive the prestigious Leadership and Service seal for their diploma, a recognition reserved for the most distinguished programs at Georgia Southern University. At the end-of-the-year showcase, these outstanding individuals are celebrated for their achievements.
Aside from fulfilling the specific requirements of each certificate program, all Southern Leaders are expected to actively participate in the program by attending regular events and completing 10 hours of community service annually, which must be logged in Eagle Engage.
Emerging Leader Certificate
- LEAD 1000: Self Leadership
- Complete Southern Leaders: Emerging Leaders program
- Complete the first portion of your Leadership portfolio on LinkedIn
Team-Based Leadership Certificate
- LEAD 2000: Collaborative Leadership
- Complete the Leadership in Action project
- Complete the second portion of your Leadership portfolio on LinkedIn
Leading Positive Change Certificate
- LEAD 3000: Rethinking Community Leadership
- Complete the Leadership Incubator project
- Complete the final portion of your Leadership portfolio on LinkedIn
Last updated: 5/5/2023
