Seven Smeal Students Selected For Penn State's Inaugural Presidential Leadership Academy

UNIVERSITY PARK, PA (May 15, 2009) – Seven outstanding Smeal College of Business students have been selected to be among the 30 Penn State students who will make up the inaugural class of the University's newly formed Presidential Leadership Academy, a leadership development program established through a $5 million gift to the University from alumni Edward R. and Helen S. Hintz. The Hintzes have served Penn State in key volunteer roles over many years and are among the University's most generous benefactors.

The academy is structured to develop critical thinking skills and have participating students apply those skills to decisions on complex public policy, societal, and global issues that they may encounter in coming years as leaders in business, industry, government, and communities.

"It is our responsibility to prepare students to understand that the most difficult decisions in today's world require the examination of all sides of an issue," said Penn State President Graham Spanier in January when announcing the new initiative. "Through this initial generous gift, Penn State is taking a preeminent role in grooming students to effectively lead in a changing, challenging world."

The seven Smeal students selected for the program were chosen from a pool of more than 150 applicants. They are: Harry Anderson, Meghan Barnett, Eboni Hatchell, Sisi Liu, Gary McMillen, Matthew Stankiewitch, and Sara West.

"I couldn't be more pleased to have these seven Smeal students make up nearly a quarter of the first class of the Presidential Leadership Academy," said Smeal Dean James B. Thomas. "This is a great opportunity for all of the students selected, and the experience will be a valuable complement to their Penn State and Smeal educational experience."

To be considered for the program, the students had to complete an application, submit a resume, and receive two letters of recommendation, one from a faculty member and another from a mentor, supervisor, coach, or staff member. Selection was based on a student's academic achievements, leadership potential, and commitment to critical thinking exhibited during the applicant's first year at Penn State.

The program is designed to start in the fall of the participants' sophomore year. By fall 2011, total enrollment will be 90 students, 30 in each class of sophomores, juniors and seniors.

Over a student's three-year enrollment in the academy, the following will be required:

• completion of a one-credit introductory seminar led by the President of the University;
• completion of two additional courses for a total of six credits, courses that will emphasize critical thinking and will be identified from diverse disciplines in the University;
• completion of a one-credit capstone experience demonstrating critical thinking, analysis, and decision-making; 
• participation in at least three field experiences, trips planned annually by the academy that will give students a broader perspective on social and political issues.
  

Supplementing these requirements will be the assignment of a faculty adviser to each academy student and participation in lectures, events, and activities sponsored by the academy to address topical issues.

Upon graduation and completion of the Presidential Leadership Academy, students will be able to:

• identify, evaluate, and construct inductive and deductive arguments;
• recognize and assess arguments in various forms of reasoning; 
• distinguish the functions of language and its capacity to express and influence meaning.
  

In making the gift, the Hintzes said, "We are pleased to help create President Spanier's initiative. It is our hope that, over time, the program will expand and that these useful thought processes will find application throughout Penn State."

Spanier said, "Once again, an act of generous philanthropy is transforming Penn State and providing a tremendous opportunity for its students that will change their lives and the lives of those who will benefit from their leadership in the future."

For more information on the Presidential Leadership Academy, visit academy.psu.edu.