Program has shaped generations of students through four decades of leadership development
by Jordan Karnbach
Since its launch at the University of Mississippi in 1985, the Chancellor’s Leadership Class has provided character-building experiences and opportunities for thousands of students.
More than 3,000 freshmen have completed the program, which provides mentoring and networking experiences with a variety of community, state, and national leaders.
“Over the past four decades, the Chancellor’s Leadership Class has become a cornerstone of leadership development at Ole Miss,” Chancellor Glenn Boyce said. “The class is so much more than just a weekly meeting; it’s a unique space where students can find engagement, get involved with peers who are also emerging leaders and cultivate skills that will serve them for a lifetime.”
The class brings in community and state leaders, Ole Miss alumni and former CLC students as guest speakers. The speakers share hands-on leadership skills and encouragement with the class, said Andie Cooper, executive assistant in the Office of the Chancellor and one of the class instructors.
“This class has produced Hall of Fame, Mr. and Miss Ole Miss, ASB leaders and many other successful student leaders on campus,” Cooper said.
Participants are nominated by their high school counselors based on leadership abilities and academic success. Admission is highly competitive; 90 freshmen were selected this fall from more than 400 nominations.
The transfer section of the class includes 32 scholarship recipients, 15 of whom are Lyceum Scholars. The remaining scholarships are filled based on applicants’ competitive scholarship scores. The transfer section of the class was launched in 2013.
This year’s class also includes four transfer CLC leaders, chosen from the previous year’s cohort, with instruction led by Anna Lauren Heavener, success coach in the Center for Student Success and First-Year Experience. The freshman CLC class is taught by Jennifer Simmons, UM assistant provost; Bradley Baker, interim assistant vice chancellor and dean of students; and Cooper.
Four student leaders selected from last year’s freshman group round out the leadership team for the class.
Chancellor Gerald Turner launched the program as one of his signature initiatives, and the program was only four years old when Stephen Johnston joined the class. The 1989 alumnus founded an AI-based software company called GoodJob, where he served as CEO.
“To be able to come together with a group of like-minded individuals who were trying to make a difference in the lives of other people and be impactful as a leader was a truly unique experience,” Johnston said. “For me, the connection to Chancellor Gerald Turner was what really shaped my Ole Miss experience.
“Through the Chancellor’s Leadership Class, I was able to build a personal relationship with him that grew into a lifelong mentorship. He guided me not only during my time as a student and student body president, but also after college, helping me navigate career and life decisions.”
Current students share similar experiences, saying the class has provided memories that will last a lifetime.
“Chancellor’s Leadership Class has taught me that no matter what kind of leader you are, we all face similar struggles and setbacks, and at the end of the day, those challenges can be overcome in the same way: through reflection, resilience, and growth,” said Maria Jose Barrera, a sophomore biochemistry major in the in the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College from Brookhaven.
Connor Gee, a senior from Madison pursuing a degree in biological sciences and general business with a pre-dental focus, has enjoyed the opportunity to network with peers.
“Chancellor’s Leadership Class provided me with the opportunity to build connections with classmates who have all become strong leaders across campus,” he said. “Additionally, I was able to hear from inspiring speakers from across Mississippi that expanded my knowledge, challenged me to grow and encouraged me to serve both my community and the state of Mississippi.”
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