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Engaging Leaders Program

Group of Students - Engaging Leaders Program - College of Natural Resources NC State University

The College of Natural Resources (CNR) Engaging Leaders Program aims to develop students by equipping them with the confidence and capacity to collaborate with diverse communities.

Each year, we select up to 20 students to participate this unique program. Students do not need to have prior leadership experience, and we value students with a strong desire to grow personally and professionally. The program is open to freshman, off-campus transfer and on-campus transfer students.

About the Program

Throughout the year, Engaging Leaders attend sessions to help them better understand their personal leadership style, strengths and weaknesses. They also learn essential skills for working in diverse groups, communicating effectively, and project planning.

Benefits of Becoming an Engaging Leader

  • Become part of our diverse and supportive EL community and build relationships with your CNR peers from around the country and the world
  • Learn how you can best utilize and improve your unique skills and strengths to prepare you for future leadership positions both on campus and in the professional world
  • Enhance your cultural and social sensitivity and learn to appreciate and encourage diversity and inclusion as both a leader and group member
  • Understand different communication styles and develop the skills necessary to work and communicate well with a variety of individuals
  • Get connected to community service, professional development, and academic opportunities around the college and all of NC State
  • Learn professionalism for academic and work environments, and the skills you need to impress future employers

Key Components of the Program Include:

  • Membership in a supportive community of dedicated leaders representing all majors within CNR
  • One-on-one mentorship with a Buzzard Fellow
  • Tools to help identify personal leadership styles, strengths, and cultural skills
  • Mentoring and guidance from coordinator
  • Monthly leadership seminars
  • Engagement activities such as a networking dinner
Happy National Take A Hike Day! Here are four of our favorite places in Raleigh to get outdoors and enjoy fall foliage at its peak. 🍁🍂🥾 #TakeAHikeDay
Rick Conner, a senior majoring in paper science and engineering (@ncstatefb), was one of 46 students to travel to Finland as part of the most recent Paper International Experience (PIE). 

"One thing that I learned about myself is that I absolutely love the paper industry and am excited to see what new innovations will present themselves in the next 30 or so years. The trip had our group visiting both active production sites and research and development sites, and some of the lectures had me excited about the future of sustainable manufacturing."

Learn more about Rick's study abroad experience through the link in our bio.

📸; Rick Conner (far right) with other NC State students as they prepare to embark on their study abroad journey.
This #VeteransDay, we are very thankful for all who have served our country. 🇺🇸
Recently, students in our James Buzzard Leadership Development Program had the incredible opportunity to travel to Washington D.C. 

During the three-day trip, they explored the nation's capital and engaged with leaders from various fields, including leaders from British Embassy Washington (@ukinusa), The George Washington University (@gwuniversity), @capitalonearena, @u.s.forestservice
 and @usdagov.

📹: @juana_estelita and @jacksongill1
Meet Matthew Menon, a sophomore double majoring in environmental sciences and statistics. 📚🐺

Students, like Matthew, who are enrolled in NR 350: International Sustainable Resource Use have the chance to learn more about a global perspective of sustainability by traveling to the Scandinavian countries of North Europe. 

“I chose to study abroad because I am interested in using statistical methods and data science for environmental applications, and I knew I wanted to gain a global perspective on the primary issues surrounding the environment through a program such as study abroad.”

Click the link in our bio to learn more about Matthew’s study abroad adventures.
The wonderful sounds of Rolleo. 🪓🏹🪚

Congratulations again to @ncsuforestryclub for taking first place! 🙌