Leadership Conference to Engage Hundreds of Area High School Students at Arkansas State, Oct. 23
JONESBORO – One of the best ways to be assured of a quality experience in college is to get well prepared, and that process needs to start long before arriving on campus.
The Leadership Center in the Division of Student Affairs at Arkansas State University offers an opportunity each year to regional high school students to engage in that preparation process by participating in a specially planned conference.
For the 11th consecutive year, the Leadership Center will sponsor “High School Leadership Day” on Tuesday, Oct. 23, according to Natalie Eskew, director of the Student Activities Board. She is assisted by Lyle Morris, a graduate assistant in the Leadership Center.
Keynote speaker Chicka Elloy will present the opening session beginning at 9 a.m. in the auditorium of the Carl R. Reng Student Union. Close to 300 students, representing 16 Arkansas and Missouri high schools, have registered to attend.
“We have encouraged high school students to come be educated, motivated, and excited about being a leader,” Eskew said. “The day will inspire those attending to be productive and creative leaders who possess the tools necessary to positively impact their schools and communities.”
Raised and educated in Australia, Elloy earned his degrees in education before moving to California to direct an internationally renowned accelerated learning organization.
He has spoken for leadership development programs that have benefitted more than 50,000 students in 30 states and 10 countries.
Known for his interactive workshops, keynotes and playful nature that “keeps learning fun,” Elloy also is global manager of leadership development for a major corporate travel management company. In addition, the keynoter writes for USA Today Education and was voted 2012 Best Daddy Blogger by Parents Magazine.
During interactive breakout sessions that follow his address, and two more breakouts in the afternoon, conference participants will choose from among a variety of presentations that are designed to help students with finishing high school successfully and making the transition to college life.
In between, the students will enjoy a luncheon together in Centennial Hall, also in the Reng Student Union at Arkansas State.
A session on “Homecoming Made Easy” will provide spirit week ideas, while “Lend a Hand” will focus on getting involved in the community and helping participants appreciate the positive impact that volunteering can have.
Other sessions include “Understanding Your Leadership Style,” “Time Management,” “Event Planning,” and “Breaking the Ice,” which is full of ideas on loosening up an audience.
“The Real ASU” is an interactive session on college life and Arkansas State. Campus tours are also on the schedule.
“This traditional activity is something that our Student Activities Board and Student Government Association look forward to presenting each October,” Eskew added. “We enjoy having our area high school students at A-State each year for this event.”
# # #
