Leadership Studies
The Pryor Leadership Studies Program is a unique, experience-based academic program designed to complement any major or degree program. The three-year Leadership Studies program is housed in the Fred & Shirley Pryor Center for Leadership Development.
During the first semester, students complete a Cornerstone Course that teaches leadership theory and helps individuals learn about the strengths and weaknesses of their own leadership style. Students also write a Growth Plan to guide personal leadership development.
Pryor Fellows engage in several significant learning experiences. An Outward Bound trip allows students to practice leadership and team-building in the Florida Everglades. A Vocational Internship explores career interests, and a Volunteer Internship allows for experience in servant-leadership.
In the last semester, students participate in a comprehensive Capstone Course to complete a group Leadership Legacy project and to assist in making the transition into the world of work. Throughout the program, students focus on development in four critical areas: Servant, Situational, Self, and Shared Leadership. After all requirements are met and a thorough portfolio review is completed, students qualify to become a certified Pryor Fellow.
Nonprofit Leadership Major & American Humanics Certification
The Nonprofit Leadership major at William Jewell College is designed to prepare students for careers in the nonprofit sector. The major builds on William Jewell's Responsible Self curriculum and is a Bachelor of Arts degree. It is an in-depth course of study requiring 46 hours of course work as well as internships, field study, and service. The courses involved provide a "real world" education for the students and include courses from various disciplines across the William Jewell campus.
The nonprofit leadership American Humanics certificate program, which is based on competencies not courses, is open to all students from any major and complements the Pryor Leadership Studies Program, the Tucker Leadership Lab, and the curricular and co-curricular activities already in place at William Jewell College. The AH Certificate benefits students by giving them targeted studies/experiences in the core competencies necessary for effective leadership in nonprofit organizations. The AH students also have numerous opportunities to interact with nonprofit leaders through their participation in workshops, conferences, and internships with a highlight being the annual AH Management Institute.
The AH program opens up career opportunities for both traditional and non-traditional students who graduate with a liberal arts education and a heart for service. Every year, 3000+ jobs are available nationally through 17 affiliated agencies. With a 100% nationwide placement rate, students with an AH certificate from William Jewell College are in demand!
For more information, please review the William Jewell College Course Catalog, or visit www.pryorcenter.org
Programs offered:
- Pryor Leadership Studies Program
- Nonprofit Leadership Major & Minor
- American Humanics Certification
Distinctives:
- The Pryor Center for Leadership Development is a custom-designed facility for leadership studies;
- Classrooms are designed for small classes and close interaction between students and faculty;
- The focus is on personal, professional and community leadership;
- Opportunities for individual assessment, development, coaching and mentoring;
- Exposes students to regional, national and world leaders;
- Emphasizes the servant-leadership model throughout;
- Encourages students to leave a leadership legacy, i.e., to "give back" to the community.
Are you ready to start your leadership journey? The Leadership Studies Department at William Jewell College can help you achieve your leadership goals.
Leadership Studies Faculty:
Kevin W. Shaffstall, M.A.
Director of the Pryor Leadership Studies Program
Kevin W. Shaffstall is responsible for the students involved with the Nonprofit Leadership program as well as American Humanics. He received a B.S. from Kansas State University and an M.A. from Webster University. He is a member of the Leadership Studies and Programs Advancement Council at Kansas State University. Kevin is also the founder of Team Arts Inc., a company that provides international training in the areas of team building and leadership development. As the former director of the Leadership Development Center at Adventure Woods in Kansas City, Mo., he designed and delivered more than 2,200 of his widely acclaimed team skills training programs to managers and leaders from a wide variety of organizations. In addition, his creative teambuilding initiatives have been published in the book Quicksilver. In 2005, Kevin received the prestigious President of the United States National Volunteer Service Award at the National Points of Light Conference.
Todd Long, M.A. (part-time)
Director of Leadership Training and Development
Todd Long is the Director of the Tucker Leadership Lab and an instructor in the Pryor Leadership Studies Program. He has more than 10 years of experience in experiential learning and organizational training and development. Todd received a master’s degree in speech communication with an emphasis in organizational communication. He has worked with corporate, nonprofit, educational and church groups as a consultant, designer and implementer of training programs that help build more cohesive teams and effective leaders. Todd has also worked in the community relations department of Harvsters, directing volunteer programs and assisting with public relations. He has also worked for Weight Watchers International as an area trainer.
