By: Abby Hickman ’27 PSE/CHE

The James Buzzard Leadership Development Program has been one of the most impactful experiences of my time at NC State.

“Over the past year, I’ve grown not just in traditional leadership skills, but in self-awareness, confidence, and how I build relationships with others.” — Abby Hickman

Through workshops, conversations, and experiences like our trip to Washington, D.C. and engagement with industry leaders, I learned that leadership is less about having the right answers and more about how you show up. The program challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone, navigate professional environments with confidence, and lead with authenticity. It also reinforced the importance of building relationships, staying open to different perspectives, and continuing to grow as a leader. More than anything, the Buzzard program showed me that leadership is deeply personal and rooted in your values, and that growth happens when you are willing to reflect, be challenged, and learn from those around you.

With that, I am excited to introduce the next cohort of Paper Science and Engineering students in the James Buzzard Leadership Development Program. I asked each of them two questions: What inspired you to apply? and What do you hope to gain from the program?

Da’Shanalynn Miller- PSE + CHE Junior

“What inspired you to apply?”

“Before transferring to NC State, I served as Student Body Government President at College of the Albemarle, which inspired me to keep growing as a leader and cultivate positive change. I’ve always loved building relationships, and I truly believe relationships are what matter in life.”

“What do you hope to gain?”

“I hope to strengthen my leadership and communication skills, especially in awkward or challenging situations. I’m also excited to connect with industry professionals, mentors, and my peers.”

Fred Lybrand – PSE + CHE Junior

“What inspired you to apply?”

“Ever since I heard about the program, I was struck by the glowing reviews from both Buzzard fellows and faculty. During my co-op in Franklin, VA, I came to fully appreciate the importance of leadership in manufacturing and made it a personal goal to develop into a great leader—the Buzzard Program felt like the perfect place to do that.”

“What do you hope to gain?”

“Through the program, I hope to build on my leadership foundation and grow into someone who can make sound decisions in any environment and bring others along in the process. I’m especially excited for the leadership training, self-assessment, and the opportunity to build lasting connections.”

Ethan Wolff – PSE + CHE Junior

“What inspired you to apply?”

“I was drawn to the James Buzzard Leadership program because I think that great leadership isn’t just something you’re born with, it’s a skill you actually practice and build. The hands-on side of the program, like the off-campus field trips, real-world case studies, and workshops on things like negotiation, is exactly how I prefer to learn.”

“What do you hope to gain?”

“By becoming a Buzzard Fellow, I’m hoping to get a much better understanding of my own strengths and learn how to handle tough, real-world situations with confidence. Ultimately, I want to gain the emotional intelligence and adaptability that will help me lift the people around me and make a real difference in my community after I graduate.”

Charlotte Sutherland – PSE + CHE Senior

“What inspired you to apply?”

“I was a College of Natural Resources Engaging Leader as a freshman and was paired with a Buzzard Fellow to serve as my mentor. She talked a lot about the program and the amazing opportunities it provided to her. The James Buzzard Leadership Development Program was always something I kept in the back of my mind, and decided to apply this Spring as I begin to wrap up my time at NC State.”

“What do you hope to gain?”

“I’m really excited about the opportunity to learn from so many accomplished leaders in such a small group setting. Having time to ask questions and learn from people with much more experience than you is always a great way to develop your own leadership skills. I’m also excited to spend more time within the College of Natural Resources. As a dual-degree student it is easy to forget about all of the amazing resources I am provided from both colleges. I am confident I will leave this coming school year even more prepared to take on the challenges of post-grad life thanks to the program.”

Maggie Hales– PSE + CHE Senior

“What inspired you to apply?”

“I was inspired to apply to the program because I have heard very positive experiences from past Buzzard Scholars. I attended an event hosted by some of the current Buzzard Scholars, and I was inspired and impressed by all of the work they had put into it and all of the leadership experience they had gained. I also wanted to develop as a leader and form meaningful connections with my peers as well as industry professionals.” 

“What do you hope to gain?”

“As a Buzzard Scholar, I hope to build connections with students across the College of Natural Resources as well as industry professionals. I also hope to learn more about myself as a leader and discover ways that I can grow and become a more impactful person.”

I am excited to see how this next cohort grows throughout the program. If their experience is anything like mine, they will leave not only as stronger leaders, but as more confident, self-aware, and connected individuals.