TAMIU Launches Leadership Initiative This Spring

Two Texas A&M International University professors believe what the world needs now is more leaders …and that TAMIU students are ready to step up to the challenge.

That’s why this Spring they’ll launch the TAMIU Leadership Initiative, a credit-bearing course sequence combined with community service that will help students to develop their leadership abilities in real-world applications.

“The University’s recent experiences with the Harvard Kennedy School’s Center for Public Leadership and its Latino Leadership Initiative for our students inspired us to create a local leadership development experience. Through this initiative, our students can discover and enhance their leadership skills, ” said Dr. Carol Waters, TAMIU associate vice president for Academic Enrichment and International Development.

Joining Dr. Waters in teaching the elective course, “Foundations of Leadership,” will be Dr. Barbara Baker, of University College.

The class will be delivered in a service-learning experience, said Dr. Marcela Uribe, TAMIU program director of service learning who is also assisting the Initiative.

“This class follows a service-learning model. For the most part, service learning is an educational experience in which students participate in a credit-bearing course paired with an organized community service. Students in this class will partner with Big Brothers, Big Sisters to become mentors to children at risk,” explained Dr. Uribe.

Dr. Waters said students will also be able to earn a Certificate in International Leadership.

“Completion of the course and four other designated courses will enable students to earn a Certificate in International Leadership.  We are also developing a long-term minor in Leadership,” Dr. Waters continued.

The classroom instruction will be supplemented by visits by notable leaders who will provide insight into their leadership development and applied leadership.

“One such guest lecturer for the three-hour credit course will be John Prendergast, a human rights activist whose main work has focused on stopping the genocide in Darfur,” said Uribe.

“Foundations of Leadership” will be offered once a week on Fridays from 9:30  a.m. to 12:00 noon and is available for all students, especially those with sophomore standing.

Dr. Waters said employers in all fields are keenly interested in employee candidates that have demonstrated leadership experience.

“In all degree fields, students’ potential for success is enhanced through the intentional building of leadership skills. Through offering this opportunity to all students to develop their ability to lead, the University will graduate students fully prepared to become leaders in their chosen fields, in their community, in the state of Texas and in the national and international arena,” Waters noted.

For additional information on the Leadership Certificate and Leadership Initiatives at TAMIU, contact  Dr. Waters at 956.326.3128, email carol.waters@tamiu.edu or visit offices in Pellegrino Hall 303.

For more on the University’s service-learning focus, contact Dr. Uribe at  956.326.3133, email marcela.uribe@tamiu.edu or visit offices in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, room 415C.

Registration for the Spring semester 2012 is now underway at tamiu.edu.  Classes begin Tuesday, Jan. 17.

University offices will close for the holidays Friday, Dec. 23 and reopen on Monday, Jan. 2.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu