ISSUED: 10 February 2025
MEDIA CONTACT: Hans Fogle
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — Shepherd University students cultivated their leadership skills during the 39th Annual Student Leadership Conference on February 8.
The theme of this year’s day-long conference was “Sculpt Your Future,” with a focus on improving student leadership and communication, navigating conflict, and improving professional skills. To accomplish this goal, students were provided with new strategies to develop their leadership potential, work collaboratively in strong teams, and become empowered citizens who create positive social change.
Students had the opportunity to customize their day, as the conference was divided into two breakout sessions. During these two sessions, students registered for whichever leadership workshop piqued their interests and goals — from SWOT team analysis to QPR suicide-prevention training to boundary-setting.
The conference also featured two keynote speakers. Kicking off the day, Gen. Robert H. Fogelsong delivered his keynote address, “The Practical and Personal Aspects of Leadership.” Fogelsong is the president and executive director of the Appalachian Leadership and Education Foundation, a non-profit that identifies and enables financially challenged, motivated young individuals from Appalachia to attend college.
Daniel Caron, educator, author, and award-winning photographer, concluded the conference with his keynote address, “Beyond Civility: How to Play with Difficult People.” Caron’s background includes years of work in higher education, creating co-curricular programming to meet the needs of student populations.
The Shepherd University Student Leadership Conference is the University’s most longstanding leadership tradition and is hosted by the Division of Student Affairs and the Bonnie and Bill Stubblefield Institute for Civil Political Communications.
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