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. Throughout their time in the program, Plemmons Leadership Scholars foster strong connections with fellow scholars, program directors, and campus administrators; engage in academic and experiential leadership learning; and are challenged to create positive social change on campus and in the local community.

Dr. William Howard Plemmons, Appalachian State University’s second president, was known as “the builder president” for his investment and expansion in the campus infrastructure, curriculum, and student life. As a continuation of his impact, the Plemmons Leadership Scholars program provides support, development, and resources to motivated student leaders who seek to build a thriving, just, and caring campus community. Through opportunities in and out of the classroom, Plemmons Leadership Scholars are empowered to develop personally and professionally, embrace continuous reflection and learning, critically examine leadership systems and structures, take action on issues and causes that matter to them, serve as advocates alongside peers and community members, and contribute to lasting change in groups and organizations they are a part of.

Program benefits

Benefits of being part of the Plemmons Leadership Scholars program include:

A $2,000 scholarship awarded each year, up to four years
Networking and mentorship from campus staff, administrators, and upper class peers
Expanded leadership efficacy, capacity, motivation, and enactment

Selection criteria

To be selected for this program, you must meet the following criteria:

Confirmed admittance at Appalachian State University as a full-time first-year student
A minimum 3.0 cumulative high school GPA
Demonstrated interest in leadership, advocacy, activism, and/or community engagement
Desire and motivation to advance positive social change on and around campus throughout one’s time at App State

While in the program, you must be enrolled at App State as a full-time student (12 or more hours per semester) and maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA.

Selection process

Candidates will be reviewed and selected based on admissions application materials submitted by December 5th, 2025.

If selected, you will participate in an interview with PLS program directors and be sent an email with a link to sign up for an interview time. If you are chosen for the program, you will receive an invitation to join PLS and sign a program agreement.

What to expect

Throughout the program, Plemmons Scholars will attend twice monthly Plemmons Leadership Scholars meetings, held on Wednesdays between 4:00 – 5:00pm. Scholars will also engage in regular PLS community-based learning activities, social activities, and an annual end of year reception on Reading Day in the Spring.

Below you can see an “ideal” year-by-year pathway through the Plemmons Scholar experience. Some of the experiences are required (such as the annual Plemmons Scholars Retreat), but others are optional. This is just to give you an idea of how you should be engaging each year.

*Please note that the Trailhead Experience is not required for new Plemmons Scholars, although it is strongly encouraged.

Year 1: Emerge

Enroll in UCO 1200: First-Year Seminar, a fall semester, 3-credit course, taught by the Plemmons co-directors
- This course will be on Tuesdays/Thursdays from 9:30-10:45am – if you are applying to the program, please ensure this time is available in your schedule because enrollment in the class is required for the scholarship
Attend Monthly Plemmons Scholars Community Meetings
Attend Monthly Plemmons Scholars Cohort Meetings
Attend the Plemmons Leadership Scholars Retreat
Create a leadership development plan
Connect regularly with an assigned Peer Mentor Group
Seek involvement in campus organizations and clubs