Student Leaders Complete Annual Training
Bluefield University’s student leaders successfully completed their annual leadership training, August 1-6. Students across various leadership roles, including resident assistants (RAs), club presidents, peer mentors, and welcoming newcomers, took part in the training held on the BU campus, providing them with the skills they’ll need to guide their peers and encourage a positive campus environment for the upcoming academic year.
Why Training Matters?
The annual leadership training is a key part of Bluefield University’s commitment to student development. It’s designed to empower student leaders to shine in both academic and social aspects of campus life. The program focuses on developing critical life skills, such as communication, conflict resolution, and team bonding. Katie McDaniel, director of Student Life, emphasized the importance of this initiative.
“These student leaders are the backbone of our campus community,” McDaniel said. “They play an important role in ensuring students have a supportive environment where they can grow. The training is designed to provide them with the tools they need to be effective leaders.”
What the Training Involves?
During the training, student leaders participated in a variety of workshops and activities that addressed key issues affecting student life, including mental health, event planning, and technology use. The training sessions were managed by experienced faculty, professional staff, and guest speakers who offered expertise in the areas of interest.
“The leadership training has helped me feel more prepared to handle the diverse challenges that come with my role,” said sophomore resident assistant Amelia Garrett. “From understanding how to de-escalate conflicts to learning effective communication strategies, I now have the confidence to support my peers more effectively.”
Leadership in a university setting can be stressful, so the training included a special focus on the importance of maintaining balance and highlighting mental health. The training included workshops that covered stress management, time management, relaxation, mindfulness practices, and ways to seek support when feeling overwhelmed.
“Leadership is a demanding role, especially for students balancing academic responsibilities,” said Sherelle Morgan, BU’s coordinator for belonging. “We emphasize the importance of leaders taking care of themselves so they can better serve others. The health and well-being of our leaders is as important as their ability to lead.”
As technology continues to form how students communicate and engage, the training also focused on the growing importance of digital tools in leadership roles. Students participated in sessions on using social media, arranging virtual events, and using technology to connect with their peers. These workshops served to prepare student leaders for the challenges of managing online communities and navigating digital communication.
“Technology is such a big part of student life now,” said senior Maddie Morehead. “The sessions on using social media and managing our digital presence were incredibly insightful.”
Bringing the Community Together
In addition to the formal points of leadership training, participants had the opportunity to engage in team bonding activities and plan events to simulate real-life scenarios they may encounter during the school year. This hands-on practice prepared them for organizing campus events, including movie nights, concerts, and community service initiatives.
“This part of the training was so fun,” said junior Emma Craig. “It was a great way to learn how to collaborate with others and manage the plans of hosting events on campus.”
By offering these experiences, Bluefield University ensures that its student leaders are well prepared to bring a vibrant, engaging atmosphere to campus life. From organizing social gatherings to managing student-led initiatives, the training provided the work for student leaders to successfully create and perform events that promote the community and enhance the student experience.
What’s Next for Student Leaders?
With their training complete, the student leaders are now ready to take on the academic year with confidence and enthusiasm. As the first point of contact for many students, they are expected to play a key role in shaping the culture of Bluefield University.
“The leaders leave this training with more than just leadership skills,” McDaniel said. “They are empowered to make a lasting impact on their peers and the university as a whole. We’re excited to see how they will take what they’ve learned and apply it to create a positive and thriving campus environment.”
In the upcoming year, these student leaders will show what they’ve learned, launching new programs and advantages aimed at strengthening the sense of community and support that Bluefield University values so deeply.