Learning how to become a leader starts with becoming one. This summer Southern Arkansas University hosted GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Program), a Leadership Academy for students from Camden Fairview High School. Around 84 ninth through eleventh graders spent six days and five nights at Southern Arkansas University. The Academy started on July 15
and ended on July 20.
The Academy was lead by a group of SAU personnel and community leaders trying to help participating students gain a broader awareness of postsecondary education opportunities, improve their ambition, and encourage them to pursue postsecondary education. Adult leaders were responsible for organizing and teaching daily classes.
Each morning students heard from motivational speakers. These speakers, intending to “gear up” students, were SAU men’s basketball coach Eric Bozeman; Felicia Boone-Bozeman, SAU’s training coordinator; Gwenzetta Bradford, SAU’s Talent Search counselor; and Terrell Mendenhall, Alderman of Cullen, Louisiana, and a candidate for Louisiana State Representative.
The students were divided into four groups and attended at least six different 50 minute learning sessions a day. Each session was an educational experience designed to help students develop to their fullest potential by exposure to academic and social activities.
The title and the facilitator of each session included: Civic Engagement by Cledis Stewart, director of multicultural services; character by J Courson, dean of housing and associate dean of students; Academic Advising by Sarah Jennings, director of admissions, and Sorronto Aubrey, admissions counselor; Dancercise/Acting by Patrice Phillips, SAU graduate, and Hardy Bates, SAU student; Health Awareness by Mary Armwood, assistant director of nursing, Shirlye Hopkins of the cooperative extension office and Cassandra Woods, Arkansas Minority Health Commision; Money Management by Terri Treadway and LaVetta Davis; Culinary Delights by Michael Priest, food services director; Career Exploration by Paula Washington-Woods, director of counseling and testing; Self-Esteem by Gwenzetta Bradford, Talent Search counselor; Health Check-Up by Judy Hines, director of University Health Services; and Team Building by Cecil Bridges, director of Alumni Relations; and Internet Safety by Danielle Cobb from the Arkansas Attorney Generals Office.
Other organizers include: Steven Ogden, acting director of GEAR UP and director of the Talent Search Program; Victor Duke, recreation coordinator and hall director; and Eunice Walker, GEAR UP administrative secretary and director for student support services.
