Emerging Leaders (EL) is a 3-credit-hour course offered each spring for second-year students who want to study leaders, leadership theory, and how leadership plays out in real situations. Grounded in adaptive leadership, the course builds the knowledge, skills, and abilities students need to create positive change on campus. EL counts as an elective in the Leadership Studies Minor, but you do not need to be in the minor to apply.
Participant Quotes
“Emerging Leaders has expanded my understanding of leadership to involve the process of bringing others with me, rather than just leading to accomplish a task or to achieve a number.”
“EL is a great opportunity for those who are deeply passionate about making a change at UTK. I left eager to learn more about myself, other students, and how this university ticks. Take this class if you are looking to truly develop your skills in leading effectively.”
Program Overview
The course includes an off-campus leadership experience in which students travel to another city to visit colleges and universities to learn about varying leadership styles and challenges students face on those campuses. Previous trips have included:
- Baton Rouge, LA – Louisiana State University & Southern University and A&M College
- Tallahassee, FL – Florida State University & Florida A&M University
- Atlanta, GA – Morehouse College & Emory University
- Washington, DC – American University & Howard University
- Charlotte, NC – University of North Carolina at Charlotte & Johnson C. Smith University
- Boone, NC – Appalachian State University
- Auburn, AL – Auburn University
Class meets Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m.
To be eligible, you must be a full-time student when you enroll, a sophomore (in your second year of college) in good academic standing, and have at least a 2.5 GPA.
Applications are due Friday, October 2, 2026. Interviews will take place Monday, September 28 through Wednesday, October 14. Selection is based on this application and an interview.
Questions? Email Cheppo at [email protected].