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College of Natural Resources

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 new 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 groups, communicating effectively, and project planning.

Benefits of Becoming an Engaging Leader

  • Become part of our 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 ability to encourage and cultivate community and student success 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 a coordinator
  • Monthly leadership seminars
  • Engagement activities such as a networking dinner

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Meet Fred Lybrand, a rising sophomore majoring in paper science and engineering. 👋

A native of New Hampshire,...

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Meet Fred Lybrand, a rising sophomore majoring in paper science and engineering. 👋 A native of New Hampshire, Lybrand is one of a few out-of-state students to be awarded a full-ride scholarship to NC State through #NCStateCNR's “Paper Super Scholars” program. "The enthusiasm of the faculty and staff, especially Med Byrd and Angie Rush, was something I had not seen in any other program. All of the students seemed to love the program and everyone had an internship offer. Once I saw the “WolfPack Baby” pilot plant, I was sold. Regardless of the scholarship, I knew I was going to come to NC State to study."

Happy Fourth of July from the College of Natural Resources! 🇺🇸 🐺

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Happy Fourth of July from the College of Natural Resources! 🇺🇸 🐺

Since his graduation in 1976, George Melton has used his degree in forestry from the NC State College of Natural...

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Since his graduation in 1976, George Melton has used his degree in forestry from the NC State College of Natural Resources to pursue an impactful and rewarding career in agriculture. 🌱 🌳 Melton has been involved in agriculture development efforts in communities impacted by war all over the world. “Choosing to major in forestry at NC State was one of the best decisions I have made.” To learn more about George, check out the link in our bio. 📸: George Melton (left) with Malek Dowengen, who he hired to construct a wool processing center in Afghanistan as part of the Sheep to Shop project.

On this #NationalHydrationDay, we encourage you to make sure you are drinking plenty of water, even if you don`t feel...

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On this #NationalHydrationDay, we encourage you to make sure you are drinking plenty of water, even if you don't feel thirsty. 🚰 According to our resident expert Dr. Aaron Hipp, it's crucial to maintain your hydration levels and prevent heat-related illnesses. For the average adult who’s working or exercising outdoors, it’s recommended to drink one cup of water every 15-20 minutes. 🔗 Check out the link in our bio to learn more on how to stay cool this summer.

We`re in a summer state of mind. ☀️

#NCStateOnCampus #FirstDayOfSummer

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We're in a summer state of mind. ☀️ #NCStateOnCampus #FirstDayOfSummer

Our own Dr. Nathalie Lavoine has been awarded the CAREER Award from the National Science Foundation (@nsfgov) to honor...

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Our own Dr. Nathalie Lavoine has been awarded the CAREER Award from the National Science Foundation (@nsfgov) to honor her early career work with cellulose nanocrystals. Lavoine has written and contributed to over 50 peer reviewed publications and has made large strides in the field of sustainable nanomaterials. “This award not only provides crucial resources to pursue innovative research but also empowers me to mentor the next generation of scientists and scholars." To learn more about Dr. Lavoine, check out the link in our bio.

Meet Emily Prickett, a recent graduate of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management (@ncstateprtm)....

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Meet Emily Prickett, a recent graduate of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management (@ncstateprtm). 📚🎓 🥾 Emily is passionate about making a positive impact and sees the potential tourism has to improve the lives of people in different communities. Before graduation, she worked as a research assistant with NC State Tourism Extension and interned with two different destination marketing organizations. Emily is excited to further her career in tourism marketing, hoping to promote the positive changes she wants to see in the world. To learn more about Emily, check out the link in our bio. 📸: @em_prickett24

Congratulations to our own Dr. Zakiya Leggett, who was recently named to the governing board of the @ecologicalsociety....

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Congratulations to our own Dr. Zakiya Leggett, who was recently named to the governing board of the @ecologicalsociety. 🙌 With 30 years of experience in ecological research, mentorship and career development, she continues to make a lasting impact. 🍃🌎 Dr. Leggett has been a driving force in expanding access to ecology and conservation for emerging scholars. Her work with Citizen Science Campus and leadership programs like the Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program has helped shape the next generation of environmental scientists and advocates. Click the link in the bio to learn more about Dr. Leggett.