At Chadron State College, we cultivate leaders who will leave a lasting impact on the college, their communities, and their future careers. Through the Emerging Eagle Leaders program, participants develop the essential skills that position them competitively for internships, campus leadership positions, and student leadership roles.

Over the course of the Fall and Spring semesters, members of Emerging Eagle Leaders engage in dynamic team-based leadership workshops and exercises, allowing them to apply their skills to real-world scenarios and foster connections with peers. Those who successfully complete the year-long program are rewarded with a special cord during graduation, a certificate of completion, and lunch with President Ron K. Patterson.

To qualify for Emerging Eagle Leaders at Chadron State College, applicants must have completed 30 or more credit hours and their first year of college. Transfer students and returning students are equally encouraged to participate.

Program Goals:

The goal of the Emerging Eagle Leaders Program focuses on utilizing the strengths of other leaders at CSC and beyond to help cultivate future leaders through mentoring. Through mentoring relationships and workshops, program participation, and a community of open-minded individuals, this will provide participants with increased personal growth and future leadership opportunities.

Learning Outcomes: 

1. Students will develop effective teamwork skills. 

Students will work together in a group setting to develop effective teamwork skills through active participation in group problem-solving activities and the creation of a service project.

2. The overarching goal of this program is to increase leadership skills and abilities for students. 

Students will gain a deeper understanding of their leadership style, based on a leadership quiz, and reflect on it and how it links to their personal identities.

3. Students will apply leadership skills in a meeting setting. 

Students will apply a comprehensive set of practical skills, including time management, meeting management, conflict resolution, goal setting, agenda creation, and the use of electronic tools during meetings with other participants. 

4. Students will enhance their communication skills across various mediums.

Students will enhance their communication abilities across various mediums including written, spoken, and non-verbal language.

Program Details: 

Over the course of the Fall and Spring semesters, members of Emerging Eagle Leaders engage in dynamic team-based leadership workshops (10-12 workshops), allowing them to apply their skills to real-world scenarios and foster connections with peers. This opportunity is for those seeking to enhance their leadership skills, communication skills, civic engagement, and personal and professional growth. This program will utilize hands-on workshops within a structured mentoring program to foster the development of these skills, improve individual growth, and create future leaders for our state, region, and nation. Those who successfully complete the year-long program are rewarded with a special cord during graduation, a certificate of completion, and lunch with President Dr. Ron K. Patterson

Schedule for Fall 2026: 

• Kickoff Meeting- September-TBD
• Goal Setting- October-TBD
• Leadership Theories and Styles- October-TBD
• Building Trust as a Leader- November-TBD
• Collaborating with Others-November-TBD
• Leading Effective Meetings-December-TBD
• Public Speaking Tips and Tricks-TBD

Spring 2026 Schedule:

• Failing Up: Embracing Failure as a Leader- January-TBD
• Service Learning Project- -Spring-TBD
• Civic Engagement in Leadership- Feburary-TBD
• Understanding Privilege- March- TBD
• Imposter Syndrome: Know it, Name it, Tame it- March-TBD
• Leadership Legacy Statement & Reflection- April-TBD

*Workshops will take place Tuesdays from 10AM-11:00 AM, unless another time is determined by the incoming cohort that works better with the student group.

Those who successfully complete the year-long program are recognized during our annual luncheon with CSC President, rewarded with a special cord during graduation, and awarded a certificate of completion of the Emerging Eagle Leaders program.

How to Join Emerging Eagle Leaders

Applications are LIVE for Fall 2026-Spring 2027! If you are interested in joining our program, please complete the application below and attend the first meeting on the CSC campus. Applicants in the Fall 2026 semester should be a sophomore or junior in the fall (seniors can also be accepted). We will post the schedule of workshops August of 2026. The program will start with a kickoff meeting in Early September of 2026. Limited spots are available, apply early to secure your spot in the program.