Emerging Leaders Academy Application 2026

Mission Statement:
To identify, encourage, and support students as they develop the knowledge and skills to become effective servant leaders at ETSU and beyond.

Grounded in the philosophy of Servant Leadership, the Emerging Leaders Academy is inspired by the words of Dr. Brenda White Wright:
“Leadership is not about you. It’s always about others. Do for someone else what was done for you. Do it not for the recognition but for the value it brings to the lives of others.”
Participants are expected to embrace and affirm these values throughout the program.

About the Academy:
The Academy is designed for students who have not yet held a leadership role on campus but show strong leadership potential. Applicants must be full-time, first- or second-year students at ETSU in academic and judicial good standing, with a genuine interest in developing their leadership skills. The goal is for participants to apply what they learn in future leadership roles on campus.

Program Structure:

- Participants must attend a required overnight, three-day "Advance" trip and weekly sessions.
- Weekly meetings are held Mondays from 5–7 p.m., mid-January through March.
- All program components are free of charge to students.
- Attendance and engagement in all aspects of the program are essential for success and must be prioritized.

Important Dates for Emerging Leaders Participants:
Interviews: All interviews will be held via Zoom. Once you sign up for one interview time at the end of this application, we will email you a confirmation with the Zoom link. Please see the interview dates and timeframes listed below. Only choose 1 interview date/time. If you are unable to interview during these timeframes, please email lead@etsu.edu immediately to arrange an alternative. Please note that if you do not complete an interview, we will be unable to move forward with your application.

Wednesday, October 29; 9 – Noon, 1 – 5 p.m.
Thursday, October 30; 9 a.m. – 12 Noon
Monday, November 3; 9 a.m. – 12 Noon

Welcome Reception: Friday, January 16, 2026, 3:30-5pm, Culp 272
Overnight “Advance”: Saturday, January 17 - Monday, January 19, 2026
Weekly Sessions: Mondays in D.P. Culp Student Center, Room 303, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
- January 26
- February 2
- February 9
- February 16
- February 25
- March 2
- March 9
-March 23

Graduation - March 30, 2026

More information about the Dr. Brenda White Wright Emerging Leaders Academy can be found at https://www.etsu.edu/students/sao/leadership/emerging.php. Please email lead@etsu.edu if you have any questions.

**Please complete and submit this form as soon as possible but no later than Friday, October 17th, 2026.**

Name*

First NameLast Name

ETSU Email*

example@etsu.edu

E Number*

E0012345

Phone Number*

Please enter a valid phone number.

T-shirt Size*

If selected for the academy, you will receive a shirt at our graduation ceremony.

After reading about the Emerging Leaders Academy, how do you think you will benefit from the program?*

Briefly list the strengths you can contribute to the program or group experience.*

Briefly list your campus and community involvement at previous institutions, high school, and/or at ETSU.*

Work Ethic: Hard working and demonstrates commitment to learning and growth.*

1 is Poor, 5 is Excellent

Potential: Displays natural leadership qualities and shows obvious potential to thrive in an encouraging environment.*

1 is Poor, 5 is Excellent

Initiative: Displays energy and actions that will lead to positive involvement and strong leadership.*

1 is Poor, 5 is Excellent

Responsibility: Demonstrates maturity and ability to follow through.*

1 is Poor, 5 is Excellent

Empathy: Ability to understand and show respect for the emotions, experiences, cultures, and thoughts of others.*

1 is Poor, 5 is Excellent

Communication: Effectively communicates with others.*

1 is Poor, 5 is Excellent

Time Management: Adequately manages time in order to increase effectiveness.*

1 is Poor, 5 is Excellent

Character: Displays distinctive positive and morally sound qualities.*

1 is Poor, 5 is Excellent

I have read the requirements for the Dr. Brenda White Wright Emerging Leaders Academy. I understand that upon my acceptance into the Academy I am expected to attend the three-day "Advance" and weekly sessions on Mondays from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.*

I agreeI do not agree

ELA Interview - Please, only choose 1 interview date that work for you. (10/29, 10/20, or 11/3)

Please rate how well you demonstrate the following characteristics on a 1 to 5 scale, 5 being "Excellent", 1 being "Poor".