Chidsey will teach you the skills you need to be a more effective leader. I recommend the program to you without hesitation.

- Jenner Gibson Chidsey Leadership Fellow '11

  Elyas Munye '13

"When I was applying to join the Chidsey Leadership Fellows Program, I had an interest in developing useful leadership skills. Based on the program description, Chidsey matched this interest. But, I still did not know fully what to expect. 'How would being a fellow make me a better leader?' was the question in my mind. Reflecting on my first year, Chidsey has helped me in three ways. First, the program brings together a diverse group of students who have extraordinary leadership backgrounds, which makes for engaging weekly meetings. Second, I became aware of important aspects of teamwork while working with three other fellows. We had to organize a workshop for disadvantaged high school students. As a group we met on our own time, divided responsibilities, contributed our ideas, and developed trust because our success depended on each member's efforts.

Finally, the opportunity to have dinner and learn from the experiences of accomplished leaders like Judge Calvin Murphy; Elizabeth Kiss, president of Agnes Scott College; and, US Navy Captain Prescott Prince, has broadened my understanding of what it takes to become a great leader. Even though I disturbed a few fellows with my smell when I would attend meetings right after soccer practice and strength training, we all remained committed to the program. I feel extremely lucky to have the opportunity to be a Chidsey Fellow!"  

  Rebecca Widler '12

"I was drawn to the Chidsey Fellows program by its emphasis on the intentional study of personal dimensions which affect individual leadership styles, and by the value the Chidsey Fellows Program places on understanding group dynamics. As a Chidsey Fellow, I have become more aware of effective communication skills, and have used an increased understanding of different personality types and learning methods to better empower individuals and groups to accomplish goals.

As Treasurer of Davidson College's Gay-Straight Alliance, I've utilized the practical knowledge I gained about how to encourage a dynamic and sustainable organization. One of my favorite Chidsey memories is working with a small task force of other Chidseys to organize a meaningful brunch discussion about balancing family and career. This exercise allowed me to use the leadership skills I learned in Chidsey to accomplish a goal with a group."

 Jenner Gibson '11

"The Chidsey Leadership Program has been a vital contribution to my leadership on campus. Promising to teach four years of individual and collaborative leadership strategies through biweekly meetings and retreats, Chidsey has more than met my expectations. We first honed self-awareness and the basic skills of listening, collaborating, and planning. In addition to encouraging our leadership in several ways, Chidsey Director Julia Jones  has showed us that leadership requires repetitively practiced skills.

As Academic Policy Committee Chair, Chidsey has provided me with useful advice for building faculty communication, laying out a vision for my committee, and advocating for technical improvements to academic life. Each of these efforts has improved my effectiveness and made me very thankful for my Chidsey Experience. As a pre-medical student, I now look forward to connecting with a physician mentor through Chidsey this fall.

In short, Chidsey will teach you the skills you need to be a more effective leader. I recommend the program to you without hesitation. If you have any questions about the program, please get in touch!"