Bobcats LEAD is an experiential opportunity that provides students with the leadership essentials and skills they need in order to become engaged and impactful leaders at Texas State and beyond. Through multiple components, this program is designed to help students build community and start their path to effective leadership.
Bobcats LEAD
What do I gain from participating in Bobcats LEAD?
We believe that all students can make a huge impact on our campus community. Through Bobcats LEAD, we strive to help all Bobcats develop the skills, connections, and support they need to become strong leaders while at Texas State and beyond.
Leadership
Reflect on your own leadership style and develop a vision for how you would like to see your leadership help you achieve your goals and the goals of your peers.
Teamwork
Build positive relationships with other Bobcats who can provide new resources and contribute to your system of support while at Texas State.
Critical Thinking
Collaborate with others to think critically about an issue, use your talents and strengths, and come up with effective solutions through hands-on problem solving.
Program Components
Leadership is not a one-time thing, it's an experience - just like Bobcats LEAD. Below are the different components participants can expect while engaging with us.
Retreat
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. The next retreat will take place in February 2025. Stay connected for registration updates!
Multi-Level Leadership Pathways
Our approach to student leadership development is to meet every student where they are. Utilizing this framework, Texas State students can enroll in our leadership pathways to begin developing a better understanding of what leadership is, looks like, and can do. Below are descriptions for each pathway.
Pathway #1: Foundational Leadership
Pathway #1 serves as the starting point for students wanting to take the first step in their leadership journey. Through this pathway, students will have the chance to engage in foundational leadership workshops, drop-in sessions, and low commitment-high value opportunities to engage with leadership and learn more about their individual leadership styles and tools. This pathway is currently open to all students. Click the button below to sign up!
Pathway #2: Group Leadership
As students enter the next stage in our path, Pathway #2 takes pathway participants outside of the self and focuses on group leadership. Working in small groups, students will work together to create a project proposal for a program, service, or initiative that will contribute to 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 with special guests such as President Kelly Damphousse, Vice President Dr. Cynthia Hernandez, and members of the leadership within the Division of Student Success. This pathway will be launched in Spring 2025.
Pathway #3: Leadership in the Real World
In this final and advanced path, participants will be able to apply the leadership skills they have developed to use for career readiness and post-graduation success through initiatives such as shadowing leaders in their respective fields, and learning how to market their leadership skills in a professional environment. Participants will also be able to mentor participants from other pathways. This pathway will be launched in Fall 2025.
Community and Networking
Our Bobcats LEAD program was created with the intention for students to not only build their leadership skills and experiences, but also strong connections with other Bobcats who can continue to support each other throughout their time at Texas State. 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.
