Students from the Randolph-Macon Leadership Program pose with their graduation certificates and honors cords.

Leadership Fellows

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The RMC Leadership Fellows Program is designed to ignite passion, cultivate innovative thinking, and refine the skills that drive impactful leadership. We take our commitment to develop the mind and character of Yellow Jackets seriously! Through immersive workshops, mentorship from experienced professionals, and a collaborative community of motivated peers, our Leadership Fellows are equipped to navigate complex challenges and lead with confidence.

We believe that leadership is not just about holding positions—it’s about making substantive and positive change in the world. Our program offers a dynamic blend of theoretical learning and hands‑on experiences, ensuring that every Leadership Fellow is prepared to contribute to both campus life and the complex world beyond our campus. As a Leadership Fellow, you will discover your potential, build lifelong connections, and leave a lasting legacy of service.

APPly For The Leadership Fellows Program

THe Perks An Intentional Curriculum & Hands-On Coursework

The Leadership Fellows Program facilitates leadership development throughout your tenure at Randolph-Macon College by blending theory with practical experiences. You will receive instruction in the predominant theories of leadership, examining pre and post-industrial viewpoints of leadership. Throughout the program, you will practice leadership skills and techniques in student organizations and other intentionally designed experiences.

Emerging leaders weekend students at table

emerging leaders Weekend

The Truist Emerging Leaders Weekend is a pre-orientation program that welcomes new Leadership Fellows to Randolph-Macon College and prepares them for future success. Leadership Fellows get geared up for an exciting weekend of co-curricular experiences that will teach them about leadership, Randolph-Macon College, the Leadership Fellows Program, and give them the chance to connect with other first-year Leadership Fellows. 

discover emerging leaders weekend

leadership fellows 101

Leadership Fellows 101 is an eight (8) week seminar where students learn the foundations and history of the study of leadership that will prepare them for the remainder of their time in the Leadership Fellows Program. We encourage first-year Leadership Fellows to participate in the seminar during their first semester at RMC. Students accepted after their first year will participate during their first fall or J-Term.

Seminar Outline

Week 1 – Understanding and Examining Leadership
Week 2 – Leadership and Followership
Week 3 – Human Performance Problems
Week 4 – Pre-Industrial Theories of Leadership

Week 5 – Post-Industrial Theories of Leadership
Week 6 – Praxis and the Application of Theory to Real-World Problems
Week 7 – Stakeholders and Design Thinking
Week 8 – Ethics

learn more about Leadership Fellows 101
A man in a suit sits in a chair, speaking, with a water bottle and sunglasses on the table beside him.

Master CLASS WORKSHOPS

Leadership Fellows participate in six (6) self-selected one-hour-long master classes during their tenure in the Leadership Fellows Program. Leadership Fellows may select any that they find useful, but all must be successfully completed and a one-page reflection submitted for each to complete the program. 

A Selection of Previous Master Class Presenters

Thomas Ransom, Executive Vice President,  Virginia Region – Truist
Michael Zeltakalns, Director of Crisis Response – US State Department
Joanie Keesee, Executive Director – Boys and Girls Club of Henry County
Linda Wilkinson, President & CEO – LDW Consulting

Syreen Goulmamine, Science Programs Manager – SWHR
Sandra Coates, Founder – United + TRU
Shalonda Moore, CEO – Elite Closers
Angela Bland, Engineer – Airforce Research Laboratory
Cynthia McCloud, Director of Food Industry  Programs – USC Marshall  School

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Leadership Fellows will participate in at least 50 hours of community service during their time at Randolph-Macon College. Service to mankind is a vital component of the Leadership Fellows Program. There are many ways in which students in our community choose to SERVE.

CAPSTONE PROJECT

The leadership capstone project is about inspiration. Leadership Fellows have the agency to decide what their project will be. It must include the following:

  • A presentation of about 25-30 minutes with about five minutes for questions at the end.
  • A thoughtful discussion of at least one (1) Leadership Theory
  • An articulation of how the theory relates to the rest of the project

Dig Deeper Conferences, Experiences, & Opportunities

Randolph-Macon College students visiting the National Museum of the American Indidan

The Great Leadership Hunt

Put your learning to work. A trip to our nation’s capital to search for key leadership exhibits, theories, and people is a key experience for all Leadership Fellows and occurs in the fall and spring each year. Leadership Fellows must participate at least once, but they may participate each year. 

tRuist Leadership Conference

This annual on-campus conference provides Leadership Fellows the opportunity to experience a profession conference. It features keynote speakers and breakout sessions that further explore a theme relevant to leadership topics. Leadership Fellows are required to attend once, but are encouraged to attend each year!

Truist Leadership Summit

Occurring every few years, the Truist Leadership Summit utilizes the Six-Lens Model for Innovation to explore a problem of practice that requires leadership solutions. Leadership Fellows have the opportunity to iterate and produce policy briefs and advocacy plans. Although not required, the Summit counts for three master classes and attendance at the Leadership Conference.

Randolph-Macon College student Charles Kendall receiving his Leadership Fellows graduation certificate.

Leadership Fellows CERTIFICATIONS

Leadership Fellows graduate with the Leadership Fellows Certificate, demonstrating their mastery of the principles, theories, and practices of leadership. We encourage graduates to include this credential on your resume for employers to see! Additionally, Leadership Fellows receive the Truist Emerging Leaders Certification issued from the Truist Leadership Institute.

LEADERSHIP FELLOWS House

The Leadership Fellows has a Living an Learning Community. Leadership Fellows can apply to live in the house, but all Leadership Fellows are welcome to visit, hang out, and take advantage of the facility. The Leadership Fellows House includes a pool table, social space, study room, and collaboration space.

Enhanced STudent Experience

In addition to the curriculum of the program, Leadership Fellows also know that leaders have to make time for self-care, reflection, and connection. Other optional events and activities include: the Leadership Fellows Formal, Leadership Fellows sporting events, semester social events, and holiday & exam events.

Your Next Step Apply to be a Leadership Fellow

Who Should Apply?

The Leadership Fellows Program is designed to begin in the first year of college; however, students in their sophomore year, and junior years may also apply and complete the program as well.

What are the qualifications needed for acceptance?

Leadership is demonstrated in many ways. In general, Leadership Fellows have a desire to make the world a better place, and they can articulate their commitment to relationships, service, and ethical behavior.

What is the process for applying?

Potential Leadership Fellows should complete the application by clicking the link below. We accept applications on a rolling basis. Admitted students who apply by April 25, 2025 will receive decisions on or before April 28, 2025 before the May 1 National Decision Day. Additionally, students who complete their applications prior to June 1, 2025, will receive priority consideration and a decision on or before June 15, 2025. We will accept and review applications until July 1, 2025.

Apply for the Leadership Fellows Program

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