Leadership and Professional Studies

Name:


WSU ID (if available):

Telephone:

E-mail Address:

Mailing Address:

Using information discussed in an advising session with a member of the LPSt faculty, attach an initial draft of an academic plan for completing all degree requirements. (You will need to mail this in separately)

Prepare written responses to each of the following questions. 

Using the criteria of correct grammar, spelling, and clarity of expression, your responses will be reviewed and evaluated by program faculty. It is strongly suggested that you prepare responses using a word processing program (e.g. Microsoft Word). After you have checked the quality of your responses in terms of the above criteria (i.e. grammar, spelling, clarity of expression), you can then cut-and-paste them into the sections below.

1. A key emphasis in this degree program is leadership development. In your own words, define leadership. Include in your definition a distinction between leadership and management. List and briefly describe what you deem to be the critical elements or characteristics of effective leadership. Provide examples from your own life when you used such elements or characteristics to be an effective leader. Describe and provide examples of your skills and abilities with regard to collaborative work with others. What areas do you feel you need to develop in order to be a better leader?

2. Many highly effective leaders have noted that they learned more about leadership in times of crisis than in times of success. Discuss a significant, non-academic failure that you have experienced. What did you do that contributed to the creation of the problems you faced? How did you handle the situation, and what have you learned from it?

3. The October 30, 2006, issue of U.S. News and World Report included a Special Annual Report on America's Best Leaders. The preface to the Report claims that "authentic" leaders demonstrate five traits: (1) pursuing their purpose with a passion, (2) practicing solid values, (3) leading with their hearts as well as their hands, (4) establishing connected relationships, and (5) demonstrating self-discipline.  Who do you consider to be an "authentic" leader?  How does (or did) this individual demonstrate each of these five leadership traits?

4. Describe your career and/or educational goals after completing the Bachelor of Arts in Leadership and Professional Studies. Include in your description some of the reasons you feel this degree will be helpful to you vis-à-vis your career and/or post-baccalaureate educational goals.

Return the attachment mentioned in addition to this application form to the Director of the Program in Leadership and Professional Studies. If you have questions, please contact Clifton Barber (telephone: 509.358.7722; e-mail: cebarber@wsu.edu).