Clemson faculty, staff bring together a leadership education community of practice

June 24, 2026 - 19:07

A new cross-collaborative group at Clemson University is working to strengthen how leadership is taught and practiced on campus. The initiative, which brings together faculty and staff from various departments, meets quarterly to share best practices, discuss common challenges, and build a shared understanding of leadership education.

The group operates as a community of practice, meaning members learn from each other through regular dialogue rather than formal training sessions. Participants include instructors, student affairs professionals, and administrators who all play a role in developing student leaders. By pooling their experiences, they aim to create more consistent and effective leadership programs across the university.

During recent meetings, members have tackled topics such as integrating leadership theory into existing courses, measuring student growth, and addressing the unique needs of different student populations. The conversations also highlight the value of connecting classroom learning with real-world leadership opportunities, such as student organizations and community projects.

Organizers say the group fills a gap by giving people who work with student leaders a dedicated space to reflect and improve. Instead of working in silos, faculty and staff can now align their efforts and share resources. The hope is that this ongoing collaboration will lead to a stronger culture of leadership on campus, benefiting both students and the broader university community.