As the new school year begins, more than 100 student leaders gathered together for the Student Leadership Conference held on Bryan College’s campus.
“Our hope is that our student leaders were able to connect with one another and experience a broader sense of unity,” said Tim Shetter, assistant dean of Students at Bryan College. “Ultimately, we wanted them to see the role they play in the overarching leadership of Bryan College and the potential impact on our current environment, as well as the world outside of Bryan.”
Seth Flores, a 2011 Bryan alum and district manager for Chick-fil-A in Knoxville, served as the conference’s keynote speaker. A central idea of his message to students was that “Your ability to lead is impacted by your ability to grow.”
Other featured speakers at the conference included Bryan College faculty members Taylor Hasty, Dr. Scott Jones, Eric McEachron, Chris Hawkins, and Kim Tuttle. These speakers spoke to students about Bryan’s shared values on servant leadership, Christian formation, and community.
Students at the conference were represented by several students organizations on campus including: Student Government Association, Worldview Initiative, student ambassadors, resident assistants, worship leadership, Devotion, athletic team captains, orientation group leaders, Enactus, chorale officers, and Practical Christian Involvement.
“The leadership conference inspired me to take an honest look at the challenges that face us as student leaders, and to be intentional in seeking the Lord’s guidance in upholding the values of Bryan College, and representing the Lord well in any leadership role I have,” said Ashley Sharp, a senior psychology major who attended the conference.
The three-day conference also included team building activities and time for fellowship among students.
“This Leadership Conference was a success because of the commitment and involvement of our faculty, staff, and administration,” Mr. Shetter said. “They committed time, energy, and a willingness to serve our students. It was a team effort from the beginning to the end and everything in between.”