Hampden-Sydney College announced today the formation of a four-year leadership development program named in memory of the College's former president, Lieutenant General Samuel V. Wilson, U.S. Army (Retired). Operating under the Wilson Center for Leadership in the Public Interest, the Wilson Leadership Fellows Program offers students a cohesive, focused, and thorough exploration of leadership. Wilson Leadership Fellows will graduate with a comprehensive understanding of leadership principles and practical leadership abilities gained through experience.
"The world needs responsible, ethical leaders more today than ever before," said Hampden-Sydney President Larry Stimpert. "The college years are a pivotal time for young men to explore leadership as a discipline and to put into practice what they learn. The Wilson Leadership Fellows Program enhances an already transformative educational experience by giving select young men an outstanding set of leadership opportunities to develop their leadership abilities within a tight-knit community that shares their commitment to making a difference. Upon graduation, Wilson Fellows will be well-positioned to lead others as 'good men and good citizens.'"
Students accepted into the Wilson Leadership Fellows Program will study and practice ethical decision-making, effective leadership for diverse contexts, active citizenship, and the civil and rational exchange of ideas. Leadership-focused coursework, seminars, and workshops will facilitate access to nationally recognized speakers and ideas. Wilson Fellows will also assume leadership roles on campus and implement the tools, tactics, and principles that they've learned, culminating in an off-campus internship or service learning project for course credit following their junior year. All of this will occur under the guidance and mentorship of a dedicated leadership advisor assigned to the student during his freshman year.
"General Sam Wilson left an indelible mark on both the nation he served and the college he loved," continued Stimpert. "The establishment of the four-year Wilson Leadership Fellows Program is the next step in fulfilling his enduring legacy. Acceptance into this program will be a tremendous opportunity for a superb group of young men, and we look forward to welcoming our first class of Wilson Fellows this fall."