Beginning this fall, Bemidji State University students can complete a 21-credit minor or a 12-credit certificate in leadership, enhancing their academic credentials and hopefully strengthening communities where they live and work.

Developed by a seven-member faculty Leadership Council, the program combines existing electives in such fields as political science, sociology, Indian Studies and business with new core courses in leadership theory and ethics.

The minor concludes with a three-credit Capstone in Leadership course in which students express their own perspective on contemporary leadership and synthesize their learning through a research or action-based leadership project.

“Students who take advantage of these new opportunities will get a chance to delve deeply into the concept of leadership – to bring it to the forefront of their consciousness,” BSU President Dr. Richard A. Hanson said.

Dr. Colleen Greer, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, said the program’s interdisciplinary approach will differentiate it from a purely business approach focused on achieving a desired outcome within a company or organization.

“This is designed to say that leadership is about more than a course,” said Greer, whom Hanson tasked with engaging faculty to develop the program. “It’s really a perspective on the world. I think the council has done a really fine job with that.”

Council member and political science professor Dr. Patrick Donnay said the aim is for students to learn how to approach leadership at a strategic level rather than strictly at the level of implementation.

“Then they will have the chutzpah to say, ‘This is what we’re going to do and how we’re going to do it,” Donnay said.

On the other hand, Greer said, students who pursue the leadership credentials needn’t be intent on being in charge.

“I think it also helps people recognize gaps in leadership,” she said. “It helps them recognize problematic patterns in leadership and where a change of direction may be needed.”

The university is now seeking a new director of leadership studies from among current BSU faculty. The director will manage the curriculum, advise leadership students and organize leadership-related events. The director also will coordinate the establishment of a BSU Leadership Academy encompassing the academic program, service learning, civic engagement and possibly outreach training for Bemidji-area professionals.

Contact
• Dr. Colleen Greer, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences