Washburn’s Leadership Institute had its first All Institute Night meeting where students can learn what leadership is all about.
The leadership institute held its “All Institute Night” meeting on Sept. 7 in Petro room 220 from 5-6 p.m.
Around 55 students were in attendance when the meeting started with ice cream and a powerpoint presentation. The presentation outlined what goes on in the leadership institute and what their mission is: To further develop students into ethical and intentional leaders and equip them with effective leadership skills.
Colton Cattoor, sophomore psychology major, is the alternative photo/marketing director on the student leadership council and is also minoring in leadership. Cattoor explained what the goal of this meeting was.
“Since this is our first meeting it was very informational,” Cattoor said. “We wanted to get everyone together and give the new members a sense of what it means to be apart of leadership.”
Following the presentation, guest speaker Tracy Routsong, associate dean and professor of College of Arts and Sciences, spoke to the group about the importance of communication and the cost of miscommunication. Routsong then had the students participate in an exercise that helped them to learn what type of communication group they fall into (directors, thinkers, socializers and realtor).
Tiana Smith, sophomore mass media major, is the social media team lead on the student leadership council. According to Smith, the leadership institute is for any and all students interested.
“We believe that anybody can be a leader,” Smith said. “Even those who do not think of themselves as leaders, can become leaders.”
Next on the meeting agenda was a game of telephone to further enhance the importance of good communication. The room was divided into two teams and each team was competing to repeat the phrase as correctly as possible.
Cattoor expresses that although the leadership institute teaches you effective leadership skills, they want members to go be a leader and utilize those skills on your own.
“They helped you get the tools you need,” Cattoor said. “But it is up to you to build relationships and grow yourself on your own, only given help when you ask for it.”
The meeting concluded with few announcements followed by a large group heading to Yager stadium to cheer on the Washburn football team at 6 p.m.
Edited by Aja Carter and LeSha’ Davis
