The President's Emerging Leaders Program at Austin Peay
Our Purpose
The purpose of PELP is to prepare students at APSU for a lifetime of leadership.
Our Mission
The President's Emerging Leaders Program provides a select group of students a tool-kit for developing their inherent leadership qualities. Through mentoring, networking, and acquiring the skills necessary to navigate the seas of leadership, PELP students prepare to engage with organizations large and small.
Our Vision
PELP will send into the global community a diverse cohort of young leaders who are prepared to undertake the difficult and unpredictable challenges of tomorrow.
Our Values
- Integrity
- Humility
- Ethical behavior
- Commitment to service
- Diversity
- Character development
- Mentorship
Our Approach
PELP focuses on:
- Learning about the "tools" of leadership (communication techniques, problem-solving skills, conflict resolution, etc.)
- Learning about leadership styles from campus and community leaders
- Community service. PELP students are required to perform 40 hours of community service each academic year.
- Applying leadership skills in real-life situations on and off campus
- Improving leadership skills by understanding personal and group strengths and weaknesses
- Learning about the essential connections between ethics and leadership
- Broadening one's perspectives by viewing the demands for leadership in local and global contexts
- Understanding the workings of government at the local, state, and national level
Our Students
Students in the President's Emerging Leaders Program exemplify the vision and values of Austin Peay and our program through academic excellence and service above self. PELP students receive an annual scholarship of $3,000, which is renewable over a four-year period.
Students in PELP have multiple mentorship opportunities beginning with a sophomore mentor who is assigned to each incoming freshman. Then, during their sophomore year, PELP students are assigned an alumnus/a of the university who is active in the community and will help the student with career advice among other topics. PELP students have multiple opportunities to engage with alumni in a variety of fields throughout their four years at APSU. We are here to help you grow into the best leader you can be!
Requirements:
- PELP students must maintain a cumulative collegiate GPA of at least 3.50.
- They must enroll in at least 12 credit hours per semester.
- They must also take required PELP course each semester.
- PELP students are required to perform 40 hours of community service each academic year.
Students may be asked to participate in other university or community events.
If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Timothy Winters at 931-221-7118 or Ms. Delaney Atkins at 931-221-7403. You may also email any questions to pelp@apsu.edu.