LEADERSHIP RETREAT

Students sharpen leadership skills at retreat

Leaders representing more than 40 campus groups gathered for a three-day retreat in February to learn how to connect and be more effective in their roles.

Dr. John Head, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Experience, and his staff hosted the Leadership Retreat to bring together organization presidents, vice presidents and resident advisors.

The event was developed by Dr. Kerry Ann Wallaert, Director of Housing and Student Life; Alexandria Andrade, Assistant Director of Campus Life – Fraternity and Sorority Life Coordinator; and Dr. Karen Pruett, Associate Dean and Senior Director of Career Services, Leadership and Counseling.

Dr. Pruett said the purpose of the retreat was threefold.

“We wanted to provide foundational skills to help the students define their organization’s purpose,” she said. “We also discussed the process of planning agendas and how the groups can achieve their goals.”

Budgeting and event planning sessions helped students learn how collaborations and partnerships can strengthen their efforts. Campus partners Mark Davis, Director of Development; Karen Ely of National; Juanita Jackson of Aramark; and Hannah Godfrey, Student Government Association treasurer, offered advice and guidance on how to plan events.

The retreat ended with a panel discussion featuring President Baxter and community leaders Dr. Joy Baker ’02, OBGYN at Wellstar Medical Group; Trae Long ’12, CPA manager at Gay & Joseph; Gail Sherman ’78, MED ’80, Ed.S. ’12, retired educator; and Hill Daniel, Jr. ’13, Accountability Courts Administrator, Troup County Felony Adult Drug Court.