What is Plemmons?

The W. H. Plemmons Leader Fellows Program is under the direction of the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership at Appalachian. The Center's mission states: "We believe that leadership can be learned and are committed to educating for and about leadership."

Demonstrating this belief that leadership can be developed, the Plemmons Program is a four year in-depth experience aimed at creating successful leaders. The program attempts to identify entering freshmen who have demonstrated leadership and successful involvement in their high school or community. Up to fifteen students per year are selected for the program.

The program combines both in-class instruction and out-of-class experiential opportunities designed to provide participants with leadership development opportunities. Students are paired with upper-class mentors, who are Plemmons Fellows in an effort to provide additional support. Programs and opportunities available to a Plemmons Fellow include special classes, seminars, retreats, outdoor leadership experiences, conferences, experiential opportunities,and individual needs assessment.

• To provide curricular or classroom opportunities for students to learn about leadership concepts
• To provide co-curricular and experiential opportunities for students to "learn by doing"
• To provide opportunuties for self-discovery and personal growth
• To develop strong moral judgment, creativity, and initiative in the practice of leadership
• To teach W.H. Plemmons Fellows to help others experience and exercise effective leadership
• To create and understanding of the increasing complexity and challenges of leading diverse organizations
• To assist participants in understanding the importance of continued growth and development