Posey Leadership Institute
Developing the next generation of leaders. The Posey Leadership Institute at Austin College offers you the extraordinary opportunity to prepare for a life of leadership through experiential learning within and beyond the classroom. The Austin College approach incorporates skill-based opportunities for you to learn, apply, and test effectiveness as leaders through coursework, campus governance, student organizations, mentoring, and assessment.
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Program Highlights
Global Perspectives
- Communicate and collaborate effectively with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.
- Learn about complex global issues (e.g. climate change, human rights, etc.).
- Successfully navigate unfamiliar or culturally diverse environments with an open mind.
Community Engaged Learning
- Design, execute, and evaluate projects that benefit both the Austin College campus and Sherman communities.
- Collaborate effectively with campus departments as well as community leaders to create mutually beneficial partnerships.
- Communicate effectively and interact respectfully with diverse audiences.
Leading Effectively
- Articulate a personal leadership philosophy that focuses on individual values.
- Demonstrate the ability to create a collaborative environment with positive group dynamics and constructive conflict management.
- Propose, plan, and implement on-campus events for positive change.
Servant Leadership
- Empower and develop others to help them succeed in and out of the classroom.
- Develop active listening skills and show empathy towards the perspectives and experiences of other individuals.
- Encourage a culture of service among peers and organizations with a focus on contributing to the greater good of the campus and Texoma communities.
Real Stories. Real Impact. Discover Posey Leadership Institute.
Divisha Eppalapalli '18
Biology major, Leadership Studies minor
"Although I majored in Biology, I ultimately pursued a career in tech, and to this day the number-one question recruiters ask me is, ‘What does a leadership minor entail?’ It’s the best built-in icebreaker and has consistently been the differentiator that sets my application apart. Beyond that, my coursework, especially classes with Dr. Dryburgh, gave me my first foundation in project management. Throughout my career I’ve expanded those skills, but the principles I learned in PLI continue to guide the way I communicate, collaborate, and lead on a daily basis."
Tyra Bennett '24
Business Finance major, Art minor
"Through Posey Leadership Institute, I gained a larger appreciation for the stories people bring into their career. While interacting with renowned leaders and people of influence, I quickly realized that their wisdom went far beyond the culmination of their studies. They sought deeper connections with people, explored concepts and causes beyond their own expertise, and understood their greatest strengths as leaders. Through PLI, I learned from inspiring leaders, applied my skills in meaningful ways, and cultivated a deep sense of ownership over my own growth and my role as a culture carrier within the Austin College community."
Sarah Gwin '23
Business Administration major, Leadership Studies minor
"PLI had a major impact on my college experience by helping me grow as a leader both in the classroom and on the basketball court. Through class projects, seminars, and PLI events, I was able to utilize my communication skills as well as learn how to manage teams and take initiative. PLI also allowed me to meet other students I most likely would never cross paths with. I’m grateful for the experience and community PLI provided me during my time at Austin College.
"PLI equipped me with the necessary tools to be successful in the real world. From learning how to speak confidently in front of crowds to learning how to positively stand out in job interviews, PLI pushed me to always put my best foot forward."
Shayla Cernero '25
Psychology major, Leadership Studies and English minor
"The Posey Leadership Institute gave me the opportunity to represent Austin College with professionalism and poise at campus. It pushed me to be more intentional about how I showed up, how I communicated, and how I carried myself! The program also changed the way I experienced college festivities. Instead of just attending events as a student, I helped host them. I got to see what occurs behind-the-scenes that builds community at AC. That perspective made me more invested in Austin College and helped me see leadership as action, not just a title."
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