Gordon State College Graduates First Cohort of Summer Leadership Development Academy
By Karolina Philmon, GSC marketing manager
Gordon State College celebrated the graduation of its inaugural Summer Leadership Development Academy on Aug. 7, sending off its first cohort of new full-time and first-generation students prepared to lead their peers, mentor classmates and navigate college with confidence before the fall semester begins Wednesday, Aug. 13.
The program brought together 30 selected students for two weeks of immersive leadership development and college navigation training. It also included GSC’s FIRE course, a class designed to strengthen academic mindsets, align personal strengths with potential majors and sharpen problem-solving skills in chosen disciplines.
Faculty and staff across campus collaborated to create a program that equips students not only with leadership skills but also with practical know-how to make college work for them.
“Before students can lead others in the workforce, they must first learn to lead themselves,” said Dr. Stephen A. Raynie, dean of the School of Education, Arts and Humanities at GSC. “Strong leaders are strong students. That is our primary goal. We also want them to understand how to navigate the college in ways that work for them, using it as a powerful tool for their personal growth.”
During the program, students earned two college credits toward their degree, enjoyed free housing and meals, and built lasting connections before the first day of class. Organizers plan to expand the cohort next year to open the opportunity to even more future leaders.
As part of their capstone experience, participants will serve as peer mentors and campus leaders during the fall semester. Their responsibilities included assisting with move-in for the remaining new residential students the day after graduation, putting their leadership training into action from the start.
The Summer Leadership Development Academy is part of GSC’s commitment to preparing students for success from the beginning of their academic journey. The program equips participants with the skills and confidence to serve as campus leaders, contribute to the college community and meet the region’s workforce needs.
