The James Buzzard Leadership Development Program was initiated through a generous donation from James “Jim” Buzzard, an alumnus of the College of Natural Resources and the former president of MeadWestvaco. Through observation, Jim believed that many leaders, despite their mystique and ability to inspire great things, wonder how they developed the skills to become such figureheads in their organizations.
Jim concluded that outstanding leadership, like any other skill, can be learned. Good leaders have taken the time to develop their craft, clarifying their core beliefs and cultivating their ability to inspire others. They have discovered how to uncover the energy and talents of diverse people and channel them into the pursuit of a common vision. They have practiced the art of team building, enforcing essential principles, when necessary, but always ensuring that all team members are active and productive members of the group. Outstanding leaders change the world through vision, hard work, creativity and the careful service of others.
The James Buzzard Leadership Development Program is built on Jim’s vision to help undergraduate students further their interests in leadership and hone their skills so that they leave NC State as budding leaders capable of guiding teams to success in whatever careers they pursue. Using an inspirational case-based learning approach, combined with personal interactions with leaders across various fields and a focus on leadership development through readings, reflections and hands-on activities, this year-long program gives students who complete it a greater understanding of their potential and new confidence in what they can accomplish.
Program Components
Ropes course
Bi-weekly seminars
Leadership seminar series and the opportunity to meet seminal leaders
Self-awareness personality inventory
Health coaching sessions
Individualized sessions with a professional coach
Access to a community mentor
3-4 field trips to meet with the leadership of various organizations
Networking dinner with community leaders
Collaborative leadership project
Student Opportunities
Build your resume to make you more competitive
Enjoy free professional development resources
Partner with a community mentor
Meet and engage with industry leaders
Participate in field trips to visit the leadership of different companies and organizations
Apply your leadership skills through various opportunities
Collaborate with other students to host interactive seminars
Application Information
Applications for 2025-26 will be available in early 2025.
Admission Criteria
The program is limited to no more than 20 students per cohort.
Students must be willing to commit to the full academic year (August-May) and must be a junior or senior. Sophomores with leadership experience may be considered.
Please contact Jason Bocarro, director of the James Buzzard Leadership Development Program, at buzzardleadership@ncsu.edu to learn more.
Growing Tomorrow’s Leaders
The James Buzzard Leadership Development Program is preparing students to be innovative, socially responsive, ethical and mindful leaders ready to positively impact their communities.
Through hands-on experiences and field trips, students gain the skills and knowledge to graduate prepared to lead. See where are students have been!
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2024-25 Scholars
Sami Anthony
Sami Anthony is a senior majoring in Paper Science and Engineering (PSE). Originally from Richlands, North Carolina, she has completed three internships with WestRock in Cowpens, South Carolina, and Mebane, North Carolina. After graduation, Sami plans to pursue a career in manufacturing as a process engineer while completing a Master of Engineering Management from NC State. She aims to leverage her technical education from the College of Natural Resources to promote positive, sustainable changes in the industry. Sami is a CNR Ambassador, a PSE Recruitment Intern, and a member of the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI). As a James Buzzard Leadership Development Fellow, she hopes to enhance her leadership skills by working with and learning from leaders of diverse backgrounds.
Erick Contreras
Erick Contreras is a senior double-majoring in Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology and Zoology. He hails from Thomasville, North Carolina, and transferred to NC State from Davidson-Davie Community College, where he earned an associate degree in science. Erick’s goals include working with international organizations to assess and manage local wildlife populations and researching animal behavior. He plans to combine these interests to create effective wildlife management plans. Erick is excited to join the James Buzzard Leadership Development Program to learn from and engage with a diverse array of leaders.
Jaden Cross
Jaden Cross is a senior in the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, majoring in Sport Management with a minor in Business Administration. Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, Jaden grew up in Cary, North Carolina, and graduated from Panther Creek High School. He has a passion for working with children and in the sports industry. Jaden recently designed and facilitated a summer-long program for over 1,000 seventh and eighth graders. Currently, he works for Raleigh Founded, a coworking space committed to fostering inclusive communities of entrepreneurs. Jaden is eager to network and develop his leadership skills through the James Buzzard Leadership Development Program.
Noah Crowder
Noah Crowder is a sophomore from Metro-Atlanta, double-majoring in Paper Science & Engineering (PSE) and Chemical Engineering, with a minor in Business Administration. Noah is passionate about campus involvement. He is the vice president of the Pulp and Paper Advisory Board’s Student Advisory Committee and a lab technician for Dr. Joel Pawlak. He also serves as the TAPPI College of Natural Resources Council representative. Beyond PSE, Noah is a member of the University Honors Program and a University Ambassador, delivering weekly campus tours. He completed his first internship with WestRock in Dublin, Georgia, over the summer of 2024. Noah looks forward to further engaging with the CNR network and developing his leadership skills through the Buzzard Leadership Development Program.
Breanne Draper
Breanne Draper is a senior in the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, focusing on Tourism and Event Management. After discovering her passion for community events, she came to NC State. Breanne currently works at a senior living facility, planning events and activities for residents, and enjoys seeing how these events foster community. She aspires to continue working in event management after graduation. Breanne is excited to build her leadership skills through the Buzzard Leadership Development Program, which offers field trips, weekly meetings, and networking opportunities.
Kristie Fast
Kristie Fast is a Raleigh native and a senior at North Carolina State University. Before enrolling, she earned an associate degree in liberal arts from Wake Technical Community College. Kristie is passionate about outdoor recreation, fitness, tourism, and building inclusive communities. After working for 20 years, she is now majoring in Parks, Recreation, Tourism, and Event Management, with a concentration in Tourism and Event Management. Kristie is a studio leader at Life Time Fitness and hosts international retreats that combine yoga and outdoor recreation. She aims to grow her small tourism business and help build the local community through large-scale events. Kristie looks forward to gaining valuable skills and experiences in the James Buzzard Leadership Development Program, which will benefit her personal and professional growth.
Angelina Finnie
Angelina Finnie (they/them) is a third-year student pursuing a dual degree in Paper Science & Engineering and Chemical Engineering. Their core values are gratitude, mindfulness, and learning. They came from Spring Lake, North Carolina, to NC State to network and build meaningful connections. Angelina is involved with the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI), Women & Minority Engineering Programs (WMEP), Engineering Ambassadors (EA), and Student Government. They are engaged in activities like nature, sustainability, mentorship, cooking, and meditation. Angelina is grateful for the opportunity to expand their leadership understanding and capabilities through the James Buzzard Leadership Development Program.
Estela Garcia
Estela Garcia is an Environmental Science major focusing on Geographic Information Systems. She is passionate about conservation and outreach to Spanish-speaking communities and aims to integrate these interests into her future career. Estela participates in the Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program and has assisted with freshwater mussel conservation research at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She is also on the executive board of MiFamilia, a Latinx organization at NC State. Estela looks forward to enhancing her leadership skills through the James Buzzard Leadership Development Program, which offers networking opportunities, personal development, and collaboration with other student leaders.
Jackson Gill
Jackson Gill is a senior from Cary, North Carolina, majoring in Sport Management with minors in Business Administration and Environmental Science. Jackson’s passion for sports and leadership led him to pursue his degree at NC State. He has been involved in various aspects of the program, including the Tourism Management Association, working as a student course assistant for a Sustainable Facility Management course, and studying Sport Facility Management and Programming abroad in London. Jackson’s goal is to become an operations manager or event manager at a professional sports venue. He is thrilled to be part of the James Buzzard Leadership Development Program, where he hopes to network with industry leaders and enhance his leadership skills.
Natalie Locklear
Natalie Locklear is a senior from Clayton, North Carolina, majoring in Environmental Sciences with minors in Global Public Health and Biology. Natalie’s career goal is to create a better world by using her environmental science skills to promote sustainability. She is a member of the Goodnight Scholars program, the secretary of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society, and a member of the Native American Student Association. Natalie recently conducted research at Duke University and interned at Cape Hatteras National Seashore with the National Park Service. She hopes to pursue a PhD in Public Health after graduation.
Peyton Odum
Peyton Odum is from Goldsboro, North Carolina, and is a Sport Management major at NC State with a focus on Journalism and Business Administration. Peyton previously received an Associate of Arts degree from Wayne Community College. At NC State, he worked with the Carolina Hurricanes and will join the NC State Football’s personnel and scouting team as a student intern. Peyton’s long-term goal is to work in an NFL or college football scouting department. He is eager to apply his work ethic and dedication to the James Buzzard Leadership Development Program.
Charlotte Peele
Charlotte Peele is a junior majoring in Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, and she is considering a minor in Wetland Assessment. She is from Charlotte, North Carolina, where she developed a love for hiking and nature. Charlotte completed an internship with the NC Wildlife Resource Commission and has studied abroad in Prague and Ecuador. She hopes to earn a master’s degree and travel more after graduation. Charlotte joined the James Buzzard Leadership Development Program to meet leaders from diverse fields and improve her leadership skills.
Riley Pittman
Riley Pittman is a senior majoring in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management with a concentration in Tourism and Event Planning, and minoring in Business Administration. She is from Boston, Massachusetts, and has a passion for recreation and events. Riley is involved in the Tourism Management Association, the University Ambassador Program, and is the event coordinator for her sorority. She recently interned at Pinehurst Resort and hopes to become an event planner in the wedding or hospitality industry. Riley is excited to learn from professionals and grow alongside other CNR students in the James Buzzard Leadership Development Program.
Cole Ragsdale
Cole Ragsdale is a student majoring in Fisheries and Wildlife Conservation Biology with a concentration in Fisheries and a minor in Zoology. Cole has engaged in various educational and hands-on experiences, including a leadership course with the National Outdoor Leadership School and volunteer work with the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission. Cole is also an active member of Delta Sigma Phi fraternity and works as a sales associate at Great Outdoor Provision Co. He looks forward to growing his network and leadership skills through the James Buzzard Leadership Program.
Dana Sanderson
Dana Sanderson is a senior studying Environmental Technology and Management with minors in Soil Science and Environmental Toxicology. She is an ambassador for the College of Natural Resources and a member of the Xi Sigma Pi fraternity. Dana is eager to learn how to facilitate conversations that promote environmental change and policies through the James Buzzard Leadership Development Program.
Luna Shaffer
Luna Shaffer (she/her) is a senior from Greensboro, North Carolina, studying Sustainable Materials and Technology with minors in Business Administration and Renewable Energy Assessment. She is a technical analyst at Hodges Wood Products Lab, president of Eco+Pack, and a former Honors Fellow. Luna aspires to work in corporate sustainability, focusing on integrating environmental stewardship into business practices. She is excited to collaborate with peers and mentors in the James Buzzard Leadership Development Program.
Julianna Welch
Julianna Welch is a senior from Sylva, North Carolina, double-majoring in Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology and Plant Biology, with a minor in Applied Ecology. She developed a deep love for nature while volunteering in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. She interned with Discover Life in America, conducting biodiversity research and outreach. Julianna is involved in the College of Natural Resources Ambassadors and has served as the vice president
Dominic Zecca
Dominic Zecca is a senior from High Point, North Carolina and is majoring in environmental technology and management with minors in anthropology and biological sciences. His passion for the outdoors and environmental stewardship originates from childhood experiences and family outings. Zecca chose environmental technology and management to make a significant impact on environmental awareness. He aims to develop leadership and communication skills through the James Buzzard program. In his free time, Zecca enjoys reading, baking, participating in outdoor activities, and gaming with friends. He looks forward to meeting new people and engaging in unique experiences.
Get to Know the 2023-24 James Buzzard Leadership Program Alumni
Explore the backgrounds, ambitions, and leadership goals of the 2023-24 Fellows. Discover their inspiring journeys and what they aimed to achieve through the program.
