2015 Presidential Leadership Program Scholarship Recipients

 

PLP 2014 (1)

HILLSBORO, Kan. – Tabor College is excited to announce the four recipients of the 2015 Tabor College Presidential Leadership Scholarships Program: Alison Nikkel, from Centennial, Colo.; Alyssa Abbott, from Jones, Okla.; Michael Prichard, from Aurora, Colo.; and Cody Kroeker, from Henderson, Neb.

The Tabor College Presidential Leadership Program is the largest and most selective scholarship award available to incoming freshmen. The four-year, eight-semester program recognizes students who have been leaders in academics, school activities and communities during their high school career.

Tabor College president, Jules Glanzer, said the competition for these scholarships was outstanding.

“We had a strong group of candidates and each of them has leadership capacity,” Glanzer said. “I was impressed with each candidate, which made the selection process difficult.

“I am thrilled to have these four young people become part of the Presidential Leadership Scholars program. Their character and leadership skills will add to the existing group. I consider it an honor to walk with them in the next chapter of their journey.”

Rusty Allen, vice president of enrollment management, added, “This year’s group of PLP participants were again a gifted group of young men and women. The four chosen as Scholars will have a very positive impact and we believe their development as leaders over the next four years will prepare them for all God has in mind for their respective futures.”

In early November, Tabor hosted 20 candidates from:  Kan., Colo., Okla., Calif., and Neb., all vying for these four prestigious scholarships.

Students had to meet the following criteria to be eligible: admittance to Tabor College, minimum high school GPA of 3.3, minimum and ACT composite score of 23 or a combined SAT critical reading/math score of 1070.

Lee Waldron, director of admissions, said, “The weekend was a great success. I enjoyed meeting so many bright young leaders and look forward to many of them being on our campus next fall. It is always fun to watch them interact with one another throughout the competition. Our future is in good hands.”

The Presidential Leadership Program creates a leadership learning community that provides experiences, networking, exposure, mentoring and literature for today’s young leaders.

These four students will be considered Leadership Scholars. Curriculum for this track involves eight leadership courses taught by Glanzer. The courses consist of seminars, movies, excursions, book discussions, presidential mentoring and online asynchronous activities. Emphasis is placed on leading from the inside out, leadership as semiotics and the study of leaders, with a focus on personal leadership development.

A second track of the Presidential Leadership Program is the Leadership Fellows.  The Fellows are placed into small groups and assigned a mentor leader. They will plan and participate in one service project per semester. They will also be exposed to engaging leadership resources and experiences throughout the program.

Erin Barocio, director of the Fellows program, says, “The program is an amazing opportunity for future leaders to learn about themselves and develop leadership skills in many ways. We strive to create a program that allows Fellows to discover who they are as leaders and how they can better influence those around them.”

The PLP Fellows have until March 1 to decide whether to accept a spot in the program, which comes with a scholarship. Those joining the program will work alongside the current Fellows and begin next fall.

“At Tabor College we are passionate about developing leaders who will have an influence in their communities and make an impact in their chosen fields,” Waldron added.