Plemmons Leadership Scholars
Plemmons Leadership Scholars (PLS) is a cohort-based, four-year scholarship program offered through the Office of Community-Engaged Leadership. Each summer, up to ten scholars are accepted from the incoming first-year class. Scholars join an active community of 40 students and an alumni network of over 250 individuals. Over four years, 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 over four years
- Networking and mentorship from campus staff, administrators, and upper class peers
- Expanded leadership efficacy, capacity, motivation, and enactment
Application criteria
To apply 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.
Application process
If you are interested in applying for the Plemmons Leadership Scholars program, you should review the program requirements and description. Then, you will need to attend one of our information sessions:
- Wednesday, May 15th, 4:00 – 5:00pm (register here)
- Thursday, May 23rd, 4:00 – 5:00pm (register here)
If selected, you will participate in an interview with PLS program directors and current Scholars. When you fill out your application, you will be prompted to select a few interview dates/times that work for you, which helps us with scheduling the interview. If you are chosen, you will receive an invitation to join PLS and sign a program agreement.
Application deadline: May 31, 2024
What to expect
Throughout the four-year 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 in April.
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
- Attend the Trailhead Experience in August (Trailhead registration fills up fast, so if you are interested in participating sign up as soon as possible!)
- 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 the Plemmons Leadership Scholars Retreat
- Develop a four-year leadership journey plan
- Connect regularly with an assigned Peer Mentor, a second or third year Plemmons Scholar
- Seek involvement in campus organizations and clubs
Year 2: Engage
- Enroll in LDS 2700: Principles of Leadership, a fall semester, 3-credit course, taught by the Plemmons co-directors
- Participate in Appalachian Interchange, a two-day retreat in the Fall
- Attend the Plemmons Leadership Scholars Retreat
- Participate in the Campus Activities Leadership & Learning Summit, in the Spring
- Pursue involvement and leadership roles in campus organizations and clubs
Year 3: Enact
- Serve as a Peer Mentor for a first year Scholar
- Attend the Plemmons Leadership Scholars Retreat
- Attend 2 Community-Engaged Leadership workshops
- Coordinate Plemmons Leadership Scholars’ involvement in a community-based activity, service, or advocacy
- Pursue leadership roles in campus organizations and clubs
Year 4: Excel
- Plan and facilitate a “Senior Talk” during one Plemmons Monthly Meeting
- Attend the Plemmons Leadership Scholars Retreat
- Pursue a role in a departmental, organizational, and/or university-wide council, committee or governing body (i.e. IFC, RHA, Advisory Board, SGA)
Program directors
If you have any questions about the Plemmons Leadership Scholars program, please contact one of the program directors.
Donate to Plemmons Scholars
Support the Plemmons Leadership Scholars program by donating to the scholarship fund.
