Bobcats LEAD

Take the LEAD

The Bobcats LEAD program is an experiential opportunity that provides students with the leadership essentials and skills they will need in order to become active and engaged leaders in the Bobcat community. This program contains multiple components designed to help students build community and take the first step in their leadership journey.

What do I gain from participating in Bobcats LEAD?

At Texas State University, we believe that our students can make a big impact on our campus community. We strive to equip all Bobcats will the skills, connections, and support they need to lead while they are here and in their lives after college.

LEAD Connect Groups

Leadership

Students can develop a vision for their leadership experience at TXST and explore ways of leveraging the strengths of others to achieve common goals. Key leadership concepts include the importance of service to others and the community.

Group of students talking on the grass

Teamwork

Students will learn how to build collaborative relationships with their peers as well as create a supportive network with other TXST students who will serve as a resource and a support system.

Students at table looking at laptop

Critical Thinking

Students will be able to learn and exercise sound reasoning as they practice ways to think critically about an issue and use their strengths to make a decision and come up with effective solutions.

Program Components

Retreat

Program participants will attend an overnight retreat experience where they will learn about leadership, engage in self-discovery and team building exercises, and reflect on what their personal contributions may be to Texas State throughout their time as a student. Students will also be able to reflect on their experiences in small groups to foster connection and build a support system as they challenge themselves to practice new skills and discover unique opportunities to further their understanding of leadership.

Retreats take place once a semester. Retreat and registration dates coming soon!

Multi-Level Leadership Pathways

Our approach to student leadership is to meet every students where they are in their leadership journeys. Utilizing this framework, Texas State students can choose one of three different leadership pathways that best fit their current understanding of leadership. Below are descriptions for each pathway. It is encouraged that students participate in the retreat prior to joining a pathway.

  1. Pathway #1 offers students with the chance to engage in foundational leadership workshops, drop-in sessions, and low commitment but high value opportunities to engage with leadership and learn more about their individual leadership styles and tools.
  2. Pathway #2 focuses on group leadership. Groups will work together to create a project proposal for a program, service, or engagement initiative that will increase student engagement and involvement at Texas State. The projects will be presented at a dinner hosted by the Assistant Vice President & Executive Director of Student Involvement and Engagement. Special guests to hear these presentations will include President Damphousse, Vice President Dr. Cynthia Hernandez, and members of the Division of Student Success Leadership Team.
  3. Pathway #3 will serve as our advanced leadership pathway for students. Those in this pathway will be able to apply their leadership skills to practice through career readiness and post-college success opportunities through initiatives such as shadowing leaders in their respective career fields, and learn how to market their leadership skills in a professional environment. Students in this pathway will also practice peer mentoring by serving as mentors to students in Pathway #1 and #2. This pathway will be launched in Spring 2025.

Community and Networking

Our Bobcats LEAD Retreat and Pathways are created with the intention that students will not only gain leadership skills and experiences, but also a strong network of TXST leaders who will continue to support one another during their collegiate experience and beyond. Through our pathways, students can mentor their peers, as well as engage in networking and team building opportunities that help students foster a sense of community.