Office of Student Affairs Introduces Training Institute for SGA Leaders Motivated by the University’s theme of “Leadership for America and the Global Community,” the Office of the Vice Provost for Student Affairs presented its inaugural Howard University Executive Leadership Institute (HUELI) for student government leaders (SGA) from Oct. 13-17. Designed to enhance the leadership capabilities of SGA presidents and vice presidents in preparation for their roles as campus and soon-to-be professional leaders, the institute featured guest speakers from within and outside the Howard community, as well as a community service project with area high school students. “The HUELI is a useful resource for student leaders,” said Vice Provost Franklin Chambers. “Rather than focusing on skills already possessed by experienced student leaders, the program helps them deepen insights and broaden their repertoire of useful approaches to student leadership. Most importantly, the skills learned here are transferable to a vast range of situations.”

Gertie Starks, CIA, with Howard Student Association President Conrad Woody Jr.

“As a HUELI participant, students increase their capacity to lead and manage change, develop and implement effective strategy, realign financial resources, and evaluate the impact of new initiatives,” said Carol Crawford Shelton, executive assistant, Office of the Vice Provost, and one of the program organizers.

Considered a pilot project, Shelton said the reactions from this first group will help the organizers build upon the program and enhance its effectiveness. Future institutes will be held during the summer and open to more participants.

In addition to Howard’s SGA leaders, other schools represented included Morgan and Virginia State universities, as well as the University of the District of Columbia and University of Maryland–Eastern Shore.

Featured speakers included Howard’s own Michael Smith and Harold Gray of the School of Business; Jamal Anderson, undergraduate student who is the founder and chairman of the Health, Education & Equality Political Action Committee; and Ron Williams, graduate fellow in political science; as well as Gertie Starks of the Central Intelligence Agency; Meredith and Elaine Johnson of Alluring Enterprises; Sheena Demery of FedEx Kinko’s; and Derrick Harris of Bank of America.

“We received tremendous support,” said Chambers. “In fact, the CIA, through the leadership of Ms. Starks, director of Management, Leadership, and Diversity Programs in the Directorate of Intelligence, thought HUELI was so important that it provided full funding for the institute at $12,000. Additionally, the agency has already committed to funding it in the summer.”

In addition to Chambers and Shelton, the HUELI planning team consisted of Kevin Harris, a program coordinator; Jamal Anderson, program designer; Nyla Lyons, graphics; and Faith L. Walls, planner.

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