STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Nearly 100 area high school and first-generation college students gathered on the Tarleton State University campus today for the Future Global Leaders Summit, featuring leadership development, networking and personal growth opportunities presented by the Lozano Long Division of Global, Community and First-gen Initiatives.
The summit featured inspirational speakers, breakout sessions and opportunities for students to envision themselves as future Tarleton State students through exercises designed to boost students’ confidence, leadership potential and understanding of their future possibilities.
“In bringing high school students and first-generation college students together we hoped to encourage personal growth, celebrate individual experiences and help students envision the opportunities ahead of them, including a future at Tarleton State,” said Dr. Crystal Martinez Smith, Assistant Vice President for Global and Community Connections.
Keynote speaker Mr. Gwangi Shipp, Scout Executive and CEO of the Texas Trails Council, shared his perspective on what it means to be a leader in an increasingly interconnected world and how students can begin developing leadership skills even before they hold a formal leadership title. Tarleton State faculty, staff, students and community leaders led sessions that inspired students to explore their strengths and envision themselves as future college students.
Separate breakout sessions were tailored for high school attendees and first-generation college students. For the first-gen students, the focus was on individuality and the unique experiences that shape each student’s journey. For the high school juniors and seniors in attendance, facilitators aimed to broaden their understanding of what leadership looks like and help them recognize their own potential to make a difference.
Tarleton State’s Texas Leadership Scholars also brought their unique perspectives to the summit, taking the opportunity to put the skills and knowledge they have gained through the program into practice while serving as role models and mentors for the attendees.
“We hope students’ takeaway is that leadership is not limited to a position or role but is demonstrated through initiative, service, relationship building and a willingness to learn from others,” said Johanna Leduc, Assistant Director for Student, Global and Community Connections.
Dr. Martinez Smith said the success of the Future Global Leaders Summit is reflected in the confidence, inspiration and connections students gain from the experience.
“Our goal is for every student to leave recognizing their leadership potential, embracing their individual journey, and understanding that they do not need a title to make a difference.”
A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of more than 28,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For 127 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real-world learning and address regional, state and national needs.