Emerging Leader Series

Get Connected in Your First Year!

Emerging Leaders is your one-stop leadership shop!  Just as First Year Experience classes help you adjust to academic life at college, the Emerging Leaders program helps you prepare for leadership opportunities.  This program is open to all first-year students interested in and passionate about developing leadership skills.  The Emerging Leaders program provides networking and learning opportunities through connection with other leaders, familiarization with campus resources, self-reflection, discussion on leadership theories, and experience in campus leadership positions.

Students ready to try out their new skills can participate in the Mentor Program, a chance to co-plan a campus event with a current student leader.  In the past, Emerging Leaders have been paired up to help plan Relay for Life, the Iraq War Die-In, the Diversity Center’s Privilege Series, EXPLORE!, and many other university-wide programs.

Participants are equipped with the skills and experiences they need to serve the PLU community.  Past Emerging Leaders participants are currently leaders in a variety of areas, including: Residential Life, ASPLU, Relay for Life, Clubs & Orgs, Diversity Center, Athletics, Wang Center, Student Involvement & Leadership, Campus Ministry and more!

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can join the program? The Emerging Leaders program is open to any first year student at PLU.

What do you do? There’s a kick-off event in the fall, followed by leadership workshops, social gatherings, service projects, and numerous chances to get involved with campus events throughout the year. 

How much time will it take? The Emerging Leaders program does not have attendance requirements.  We encourage students to attend events that they find interesting, fun, and worthwhile. 

How do I sign up?! Contact the Leadership Fellows or Amber Dehne, Assistant Director for Student Involvement & Leadership, to sign up for the program.  You can join at any point in the school year; it’s never too late!

Upcoming Fall Events:

Fall is an exciting time on campus and the Emerging Leaders program is an active part of that energy!  You can expect social gatherings mixed throughout the semester; the Leadership Fellows are always open to your ideas of fun things to do on and near campus.  The focus of the fall meetings in on self-awareness and joining the PLU community.  You’ll complete a personality inventory, reflect on service, learn about ways to get involved on campus, and discuss vocation.  

Fall also brings the opportunity to participate in the Emerging Leaders’ Mentor Program, in which you help a current student leader plan and implement a campus event.  It’s a great way to get a sense of being involved on campus. 

Click here to fill out the Emerging Leaders Interest Form and submit it to SIL in UC 161 or email it to leaders@plu.edu!