Fort Hays
State University is committed to the idea that the preparation of
students for leadership is an essential component of the educational
mission. The emphasis of the Leadership Studies Department program
is to assist students in realizing their potential and responsibility
for leadership by providing a comprehensive educational experience
based on theory and practical application. The program’s mission,
therefore, is to educate and nurture citizens to lead our organizations, communities,
state, nation, and beyond.
Principles
The Leadership Studies Department is built upon four main principles.
First, with the complex problems and challenges of our changing world,
the need for leadership is greater than before. Effective leadership
can make a positive contribution to a better quality of life at all
levels of society. Second, leadership can be taught. It is possible
to develop and provide students with a learning environment that will
foster critical leadership skills and capabilities. Third, leadership
education is not just for a select few, but rather, all individuals
can and should benefit from leadership development activities. Emphasis
is placed on leadership development rather than leader development.
Fourth, this academic program is based on an extensive theoretical foundation in the field of Organizational Behavior and Leadership Studies. While the theoretical literature in
the field is interdisciplinary in content, our learning environment
should also be interdisciplinary in nature.
"Our mission is to educate and nurture citizens to lead
our organizations, communities, state, nation, and beyond."
--Dr. Curt Brungardt, Voss Distinguished Professor of Leadership and Executive Director of the Center for Civic Leadership
Characteristics of Graduates
Graduates of the Leadership Studies Department will serve as architects
and catalysts for change. Either as leaders or followers, these
individuals will challenge the status quo and initiate and sustain
transformational change for the collective good. Our graduates will
be characterized as being:
Knowledgeable - Able to understand leadership,
self-reflect, think critically and have a holistic perspective.
Civic Minded - A sense of community and
a commitment to civic responsibility and action.
Collaborative - Successful in interpersonal
relationships and group interaction.
Creative/Innovative - Able to problem solve
and establish a vision for the future.
Credibility - Aware that honesty serves as the
heart of integrity.
Critical - Able to evaluate and question
basic assumptions.
Problem Solvers - Take an analytical approach
to situational dilemmas.
Risk Takers - Willingness to accept and pursue
non-conventional methods
Persistent - Willingness to pursue change over the long term.
Seeing Multiple Perspectives - Able to see issues and problems from several different views and perspectives.
Effective Communicators - Able to communicate effectively through both written and verbal efforts.
Pursuing Social Justice - Committed to pursuing and correcting society's injustices.
Learning Objectives
Organizational Leadership learning activities are designed to encourage
students to develop leadership potential and to engage in “productive”
leadership behavior in the context of organizations. In essence, this
program will enhance the current FHSU curriculum by instilling new
thinking, attitudes and behaviors in our graduates. The Leadership
Studies curriculum concentrates on both understanding and action.
Consequently, Leadership Studies has adopted the following learning
objectives:
Understanding Leadership - Students will understand the processes
and purposes of organizational leadership. The learners will be
knowledgeable regarding the role leaders and followers play in making
changes for the collective good.
Competencies in Leadership – Students will be able to demonstrate
and perform both personal and collaborative leadership skills. This
includes the ability to think critically, make decisions, solve
problems, communicate and successfully work in teams and in organizational
settings.
Commitment to Leadership - As leaders and followers, students
will assume responsibility by actively engaging in service as agents
of change for the purpose of making their organizations and communities
a better place.
