Summit to feature lectures, panel discussions, and networking opportunities on leadership, professionalism and career enhancement
William Woods University (WWU) is an institution where future leaders are made. To help continue that tradition, the University will be holding its first-ever Leaders At The Woods Leadership Summit next week, a four-day event featuring lectures, panel discussions and networking opportunities around the topics of leadership, professionalism and career enhancement. The four days of events, open to students, alumni, faculty, staff, and the general public, will take place from Wednesday, October 20 through Saturday, October 23.
The inaugural Leaders At The Woods Leadership Summit will feature a keynote address by Dr. Jahnae H. Barnett, in her final speaking engagement to the University community as president, on Thursday, October 21. Barnett, who officially stepped down as William Woods president in 2021 after 31 years at the helm, will be delivering a lecture entitled “Transformational Leadership,” a reflection on lessons learned and how implementing change within yourself and your team or organization can inspire extraordinary performance.
The event will also feature an alumni lecture by Dr. Mardy Leathers ’14, Director of the Missouri Department of Workforce Development; a networking session for WWU students with area employers; panel discussions with area business leaders and two professional development symposiums.
Leaders At The Woods is being sponsored by the William Woods Office of Advancement, WWU Leadership Center, Student Activities Council, and WWU Alumni Association. The schedule of events includes:
Wednesday, October 20
Callaway Careers Student Invitational
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Playhouse Café, 613 Court St., Fulton
WWU students are invited to network and participate in a discussion with local employers as they discuss career opportunities in their company and field.
From The Classroom To Real-World Experience
6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Cutlip Auditorium, McNutt Campus Center
In this MBA student research panel, WWU MBA students will provide an overview of their organizational analysis plan for the University of Missouri-St. Louis College of Optometry. Moderated by WWU Business Professors Dr. Thomas Trice and Dr. Stephen Forsha.
Thursday, October 21
Alumni Lecture – Dr. Mardy Leathers ’14 on “Transformational Leadership”
10-11:30 a.m. Cutlip Auditorium, McNutt Campus Center
Dr. Mardy Leathers, Director of the Missouri Department of Workforce Development, will address inspiring people with a powerful vision, and creating positive energy, igniting passion, and fostering a work environment that thrives on personal motivation, adaptability, collaboration and accountability.
Leadership Symposium with Area Business Leaders
3-4 p.m. Cutlip Auditorium, McNutt Campus Center
WWU Business Professor Dr. Thomas Trice hosts a panel discussion including area leaders entitled “Crisis Leadership, Strategies Implemented by Area Business Leaders Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic.” Panel includes corporate and industry leaders from Ameren, AZZ and the Callaway YMCA.
Keynote Address – Dr. Jahnae H. Barnett on “Transformational Leadership”
5 p.m. Cutlip Auditorium, McNutt Campus Center
WWU’s longest-serving president reflects on lessons learned over 31 years leading the University, including how implementing change within yourself and your team or organization can inspire extraordinary performance.
Friday, October 22
Professional Development Morning Meet-Up: Dr. Miriam O’Callaghan on “Organizational Leadership and Emotional Intelligence”
10-11 a.m. Cutlip Auditorium, McNutt Campus Center
Chair of the WWU Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership Program, Dr. O’Callaghan will present on how emotional intelligence can be used to motivate every member of a business team, even if they do not share your values.
Professional Development Mid-Afternoon Meet-Up: Alumni Lecture from Gretchen Adams ’87 on “Service Leadership: The 21 Laws of Leadership”
3 p.m. Cutlip Auditorium, McNutt Campus Center
WWU Alumni Association President Gretchen Adams leads a discussion on Service Leadership and the “Law of Legacy,” and how personal achievement comes when you do things for yourself; success comes when you empower followers to do big things for you; significance comes when you develop leaders to do great things for you, and legacy when you put leaders in position to do great things for you.
Haunted History Of The Woods Campus Tour
6-8 p.m. Thurmond Chapel and Dulany Auditorium
WWU Theatre Director Joe Potter and WWU Professor of Education Dr. Joseph Davis lead the “Haunted History Of The Woods” Ghost Tour, including a historical overview of campus and personal stories of strange encounters inside the haunted buildings on the William Woods campus.
Bonfire Social
7-9 p.m. Junior Lake
Following the Haunted History Tour, WWU Student Activities Council sponsors this bonfire and social event overlooking the scenic William Woods Scenic Lake.
Saturday, October 23
WWU Alumni Board Breakfast and Meeting
8-10 a.m. Burton Business and Economics Building, room 6
WWU Business Professors Dr. Thomas Trice and Dr. Stephen Forsha join attendees at the Alumni Board Breakfast from 8-9 a.m., followed by the annual Alumni All Board Fall Meeting, which is open to all alumni and the public.
