Visionary Leadership

Graduates should have the ability to "break the mold" in devising solutions to problems. Specifically, graduates should be able to:

- devise creative solutions to complex problems;

- utilize multiple resources in designing programs and policies;

- articulate a vision and marshal support for its pursuit. 

Jump to Quality Programming 

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As a program, High Sierra prides itself on, among other things, on its ability to teach and train leaders.The primary device for accomplishing this is the required leadership class. Yet,  for many years only two students each semester were invited to participate in formal leadership roles. In response to this disparity a co-worker and I proposed this change to the available student leader positions. Under this new model two students would be hired to assist in fostering a "Christ-first" environment within the campus, this team came to be known as the SAR Team. The creation of this role involved more students in their educational experience (Astin, 1984). This role eventually became the catalyst for the development of the Student Leadership Team. 

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Following the success of implementing the Spiritual Accountability and Resource Team, faculty members requested the creation of an additional leadership position that would carry the banner of academics for their peers. In response to this request a co-worker and I proposed this new leadership model. This model replaced the RA/SAR teams in favor of a model that would reflect Azusa Pacific University's four cornerstones and included the requested academic position. The new model would offer us the opportunity to engage five students in leadership positions. This new model allowed us to think creatively about the needs of our students and how they learn best, while also encouraging collaboration with faculty members (Student Learning Imperative, 1996; & Powerful Partnerships, 1998).

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Modeling What I Preach

It is one of my deepest hopes as a leader that I would model what I preach. This is perhaps one of the easiest ways I can garner support for the mission, direction and learning I am advocating. Often during a semester I find myself returning to two themes with students; pursuing community and developing as leaders. As I endeavor to help students learn and discover what intentional Christian community looks like I strive to model it in my interactions with students, peers and colleagues. I long to model servant leadership for my student leaders, and for the greater High Sierra community, as we all continue to develop our leadership skills. This letter from a student reflects how he felt challenged and encouraged to pursue these qualities as a result of watching me attempt to attain them in my own life (Kouzes & Posner, 2007).