New Class Made to Foster Leadership

By JAMES LAROUNIS

This spring, the University of Mary Washington will be offering Leadership UMW, a new class designed to explore a variety of leadership methods using field experiences and guest speakers.

Vice President of Student Affairs Doug Searcy and Dean of the College of Business Lynne Richardson will teach the course. According to Richardson, both she and Searcy share a passion for leadership theories, which they have both studied.

Richardson said that the primary goal of the course “is to explore leadership theories and apply them in student and community organizations at UMW and in the area.”

She said that at this point, the course is on a trial run, and should it prove successful, will have to go through the university’s curriculum approval process. Future courses on the topic of leadership may follow.

The course will meet at 3:30 p.m. on Thursdays and will count for two credit hours. It will currently only satisfy elective requirements, but may substitute for a major requirement upon approval from a department and advisor.

Students interested in the class must fill out an application. As of this wring, only one application has been received.

Leadership UMW will require some out-of-class field component, building off the requirements needed to be admitted. Students must be a top officer of one UMW club, or serve in three or more community activities. Any students with a passion for community service and the will to lead others are encouraged to apply.

The two instructors hope to have a series of classes in future years focusing on leadership and service. Any student wishing to study the topic as a major would have to be approved by faculty.

When asked why students should take the course, Richardson said it would teach students “to learn how to be a more effective leader.”

Junior Kelly Dolan said she thinks, “it’s a really good opportunity for our student leaders on campus. They do so much outside of the classroom for no credit. It’s nice they’re getting recognition from the school.”