Johnson C. Smith University
Daniel J. Sanders Leadership Development Institute

To nominate a student for Excellence in Leadership, click here.

The mission of the Daniel J. Sanders Leadership Development Institute is to enhance and develop students through specially designed programs that include leadership disciplines, such as community involvement, educational achievement and cultural awareness and appreciation.

Through this Institute, students will:

• Gain a conceptual knowledge of leadership for academic and professional development;
• Increase their understanding of effective organizational management
  and group dynamics; and,
• Have an opportunity to be involved will collaborative partnerships with Charlotte community.

Building upon the legacy and keeping within the mission of Johnson C. Smith University, the Institute – named after the first African American elected as President of the University – seeks to assist in the social, intellectual, and civic growth of students. Through seminars, workshops, conferences, and retreats, the Institute will foster the development of strong leaders who are equipped with the skills necessary to effect social change. The Institute is designed to educate students about the history of African American leadership, teach practical leadership and organizational skills, created opportunities for interchange with local, state, and national leaders, and develop a sense of community pride and responsibility, provide intense training in verbal and written communication skills, and foster harmonious community relations through training in mediation and conflict resolution.

Dr. Daniel J. Sanders

Dr. Daniel Jackson Sanders was born February 15, 1847, near Winnsboro, South Carolina on the plantation of Thomas Hall, a Methodist minister, to whom his mother was enslaved.

When the master died, his estate, including his slaves, was sold to Major Samuel Barkley, the owner of Dr. Sanders’ father . The family was thus brought together under one master where they remained until the Emancipation Proclamation was declared. Young Daniel was given the rudiments of education in the Barkley home, for at the age of sixteen he had acquired considerable learning and was a skilled boot and shoemaker.

After overcoming many difficulties, he was brought to Brainerd Institute, Chester, South Carolina, where his academic and leadership abilities soon became known. In 1870, he was licensed to preach by Fairfield Presbytery and in 1871 he enrolled in Western Theological Seminary. Immediately after graduating in 1874, he went to Wilmington, North Carolina and began a career of church and school work which Lincoln University later rewarded with honorary degrees of Masters of Arts and Doctor of Divinity. In 1879, he began publishing The Africo-American Presbyterian and brought it with him to Charlotte when he was elected the first African American President of Biddle University, now known as Johnson C. Smith University.

As a college president, Dr. Sanders exhibited the fine qualities of poise, dignity, caution, forbearance and integrity, which inspired all who came within the arc of his influence.

The Emerging Leaders Program

Designed primarily for first year students, the Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) offers freshmen the opportunity to develop their leadership skills, highlights opportunities for campus and community involvement, and provides training on how to become effective student leaders I the campus community. The eight-week, non-credit course will be held during the second semester and will incorporate guest presenters, experiential learning activities and mentorship. Approximately 25 students will be selected to participate in the program.

Student Leadership Summit

This one-day conference will acquaint current student leaders with organizational and leadership development tools to aid their success and involvement. The event will include networking opportunities, special guest speakers and facilitated discussions. This program is a requirement for all registered organizations and will be held during the first semester of the school year.

Leadership Connections

This leadership development series presents year-long workshops addressing organizational needs with emphasis placed specifically on topics that effect student leadership and success. Presenters will include campus administrators and community leaders. This program is a requirement for all registered organizations.

Womentoring Program (Fall 2006)

The Womentoring Program strives to increase women’s leadership on campus and in the community as well as provides connections with successful female role models for first and second year students. Womentoring seeks to foster undergraduate first and second year women’s leadeship by: 1) providing leadership-focused social support by pairing students with a faculty or staff member based on common interests; 2) increasing leadership competence among undergraduate women through leadership skills development seminars; and, 3) encouraging small group participation in small groups to further build networks and abilities.

Lessons in Leadership

To assist student leaders with their understanding of leadership development, the office will produce a collection of articles, activities and helpful handouts that will be available to student organizations. These materials will provide guidance to those needing advice or suggestions to aim in their continued success and development. Such topics will include conflict management, teambuilding activities and effective event planning.

LEAD (Fall 2006)

LEAD is a team of student trainers who facilitate workshops on a variety of leadership topics. LEAD trainers aim to help other students develop their leadership potential and make positive contributions to campus life. After completing a semester-long training course, LEAD team members learn how to teach a variety of leadership topics to a diverse audience. Sample workshops include: conflict management, effective communication, overcoming the fear of public speaking, and ethical leadership.

The Excellence Awards

This event serves as a platform to recognize and appreciate student leaders, faculty and staff members for their phenomenal performance and involvement in the campus community. This program is held in April of the academic year.