Leadership Development

At App State, leadership development happens through meaningful programming and real-world experiences. Through our Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) programs, students engage in immersive, hands-on opportunities that encourage the application of leadership skills in practice. These engaging experiences foster self-reflection, collaboration, and active involvement both on campus and in the community.

LEAD programs prepare students to lead in socially responsible ways by developing the skills, confidence, and mindset needed to create positive change. Through intentional programming and leadership experiences, students build life and career skills that stand out to employers, demonstrating their readiness to lead with purpose, adaptability, and impact.

Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) Fellows

The LEAD Fellows are a group of student leadership educators who support the Office of Community-Engaged Leadership’s mission by facilitating leadership workshops, supporting the appLEADs program, and developing leadership capacity individually in the hopes of helping students develop socially responsible leadership behaviors.

LEAD Programs

LEAD Programs are immersive, high-impact learning experiences that connect leadership development with real-world contexts across the globe. Rooted in the values of Community-Engaged Leadership, each program integrates travel, reflection, and dialogue to help students explore leadership through the lenses of self, community, and social responsibility. Whether in global cities or international settings, LEAD programs empower students to develop the skills, perspectives, and purpose needed to lead in an interconnected world.

appLEADs

AppLEADs is Appalachian State University’s co-curricular leadership development program, designed to help students grow as ethical, engaged, and socially responsible leaders. AppLEADs cultivates leadership development by guiding students to deepen self-awareness and integrity, build collaborative relationships grounded in shared purpose, and actively engage as responsible citizens within their communities throughout three different levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. 

Plemmons Leadership Scholars

Plemmons Leadership Scholars (PLS) is a cohort-based scholarship program offered through the Office of Community-Engaged Leadership, available for up to 4 years. Each summer, ten scholars are accepted from the incoming first-year class. Scholars join an active community of approximately 40 current students and an alumni network of over 250 individuals.