Susan F. Davenport Leadership Program

The Susan F. Davenport Leadership Program provides Randolph students with an opportunity to learn and build attributes that have long been associated with leaders: self awareness, communication, critical thinking, self confidence, initiative, motivation, conflict management, goal setting, working in teams, and problem solving. Named in memory of Susan Funkhouser Davenport '69 the program helps students to understand the connections between their academic work, their social and co-curricular choices, and their participation in community service.

The Davenport Leadership Program is guided by these important values:

• All students, not just those who hold formal leadership positions, are potential leaders.
• Leadership is collaborative.
• Leadership is a process rather than a position.
• Service to the College (through student organizations) or to the community is a powerful vehicle for developing a student's leadership skills and knowledge.
• Leadership is concerned with effecting change on behalf of others and society.

Many people think that they need to be elected in order to become a leader, assuming that leadership involves a formal leadership role. This is just not true. We all have the ability to be leaders, and many people are without realizing it-for it is the people that follow who determine who will be a leader. You cannot do everything yourself-without followers you cannot call yourself a leader.

The goals of the Susan F. Davenport Leadership Program are to provide students with opportunities to learn about leadership, to help students become confident in their capacity to lead, and to help motivate students to take on leadership roles in our College community and beyond. Our ultimate goal is to create leaders who can make a difference in their careers, their communities, and throughout their adult lives.

What will I get out of the Susan F. Davenport Leadership Program?

 • Confidence  By participating in workshops, simulated activities, facilitating activities, mentoring other students, and serving the community, participants build their skills over time in an environment that supports growth and development as a leader.

 • Tools for Leading: You will develop communication, facilitation, organizational, conflict management, problem solving, project management, and motivational skills through the Emerging Leaders sessions, Mentor Training, group community service projects, annual retreats, workshops, and the Capstone Leadership Project.

 • Community Interaction:  The Davenport Program is a great way to start off your first year in a new city. Randolph students will get to know Lynchburg through agency visits. During your sophomore year you will have the opportunity to work on a project that is submitted by a local community group or agency, and you will have an opportunity to collaborate with a campus or community group through your Capstone Leadership Project during your senior year.

 • Networking:  You will have the opportunity to meet alumnae and local leaders through workshops and special dinners.

 • A Career Advantage: Leadership skills are life skills. Potential employers love to see that an applicant is distinguished as a leader and will be impressed that you had the drive to improve your leadership abilities.

 • New Friends: Within your Davenport group you will develop strong interpersonal connections and make friends quickly.

 • Fun!!!: Davenport activities will be a nice break from classes and homework.

For more information please contact Sarah Swager, Dean of Students at sswager@randolphcollege.edu or 434-947-8119.