Leadership Development

Learn about Leadership Opportunities! Leadership Development at Fairfield University exists in numerous offices, departments, and student paid and/or volunteer positions. More information regarding these experiences and how to apply for them can be found at Leadership Opportunities.

LEAD 101: Redefining Leadership

Redefining Leadership is part of the Leadership Development Education Series and explores the concepts of how different leadership theories and models can be applied to students' current roles, civic life, and their future careers. Students who enroll in this program will be studying leadership from a theoretical point of view and applying leadership to several salient areas in which effective leadership is crucial to their future as young professionals in the career paths they elect to follow as well as their civic identity.

During this 14 week program students will practice reflective journal techniques about their experience in this program, utilize the Clifton StrengthsFinder "StrenghtsQuest" as well as MBTI, refine their understanding of how they practice leadership within communities for which they are a current member (including clubs/organizations and civic communities) and develop sound presentation skills for their future careers.

Student Experiences

Through the program, I have been able to work with other leaders in the Fairfield community, as well as reflect upon different aspect of what it means to lead others. By redefining what I thought to have known, I have come to look at leading and community building from a different perspective. It provides a revolutionary experience both in the class and outside of the class room. This program has taught me that only by becoming more deeply connected with those around you can you hope to lead in a more positive and productive manner that makes a lasting change. - Haasim Vahora '16, Electrical Engineering Major

In this program I feel as though I have learned a lot about myself and how to vocalize my strengths. I am learning more about the different philosophies of leadership, and how to incorporate these into my everyday life. Overall, this program has been a positive experience and I have had the opportunity to meet great new people and learn a lot about myself. - Danielle Pittala '16, Nursing Major

This leadership program was one of the greatest experiences that I could have possibly had as an incoming freshman. It really helped me make new friends and meet people that were also interested in leadership opportunities. It has taught me about what it means to be a true leader, as well as, how different styles of leadership can be successful. This program has helped me refine my skills as a leader, and ultimately helped me achieve my goal of becoming a Resident Assistant. I would recommend that everybody interested in a leadership position take this class. It is a great opportunity to really step forward and become more successful in all areas of life. - David Neubauer '16, Biology Major

This leadership program sponsored by Fairfield University is a wonderful idea and a valuable experience to me, as a freshman at this school. I admit I was a little concerned going into the program, as I felt that many others had much more experience in leading than I did. However, upon learning more about the program and its principles I realized that it took all different types of people to become great leaders. The classroom interaction was important in the peer learning process; gaining knowledge from our fellow classmates helped me understand what I can do better to become a leader in my own life. I also really enjoyed the service component; visiting the Boys and Girls Club was great - I forgot how much I missed working with kids now that I'm here at Fairfield. The project coupled with the articles we read about what service is really about made me much more aware of how I act and what I think of what I assist others. Learning the 7 "Cs" of leading allowed me to explore and examine myself and what my strength and weakness were. Connecting the beginning of the program (personal strengths) to the end (how strength plays into leadership roles) made everything come full circle and only enforced how important knowing yourself can be. This was a great program and I'd recommend that other freshmen take it to grow more confident in themselves and their abilities. - Meaghan Conlon '16, Finance and English Major

Leadership Fellows Program
This leadership development opportunity is for Sophomore, Junior, or Senior students.

Leadership Fellows are responsible for supporting leadership development initiatives within the Office of Student Programs & Leadership Development. Specifically they will be charged with planning and implementing leadership development focus groups, workshops, presentations, trainings, marketing, social media, and supporting LEAD 101: Redefining Leadership. Fellows will be educated in a multitude of areas related to leadership development including but not limited to: StrengthsQuest, MBTI, relational leadership, ethical leadership, group facilitation, social justice, and civic engagement.

Leadership Fellows will meet weekly for one hour as a team, as well as assist in leading a one-day retreat. The retreat is scheduled for Saturday, February 2, 2013 starting in the morning and ending in the early evening. Each Fellow will be required to complete up to ten hours of work per week and will be compensated with a $500 stipend for their time in addition to the personal growth and educational experience this opportunity will afford them.

Contact Information
For more information about any of our leadership initiatives please contact:

Tyler L McClain, M.S.
Assistant Director
Student Programs & Leadership Development
Kelley Center
tmcclain@fairfield.edu
(203) 254-4053