North Carolina Wesleyan University believes leadership development is an important part of the student experience. Leadership is not only about holding a title or position. It is about building confidence, understanding your strengths, working well with others, and learning how to make thoughtful decisions. Through leadership programs, students have opportunities to grow personally and professionally while learning how to respond to challenges and change.
As technology continues to grow and organizations operate across the world, Wesleyan’s leadership programs help students become flexible thinkers who can adapt and lead in many different situations. These programs give students the chance to try new roles, reflect on their experiences, and build the skills needed to lead in a changing world.
Wesleyan’s leadership programs bring together presenters, educators, alumni, and local businesses. These partnerships allow students to learn from real-world experiences and explore how leadership works in different careers and communities.
In support of North Carolina Wesleyan University’s mission to prepare students for lives of leadership and service, the COMPASS Center works closely with Student Engagement, Athletics, and other campus departments to offer a wide range of leadership development opportunities. Together, these programs ensure that all students have access to experiences that help them grow as leaders during their time at Wesleyan.
Please check back often for updates and information about additional upcoming programs and opportunities. You can also email ssc@ncwu.edu for additional information.
Student Leadership Development Programs at NCWU
Bishop Leadership Institute
The Bishop Leadership Institute is a comprehensive leadership development initiative designed to cultivate the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary for student organization leaders to thrive both within the university setting and in their future professional endeavors. Grounded in the principles of experiential learning and holistic student development, the Institute provides a structured framework through which students engage in intentional leadership training and applied practice.
Participants in the Bishop Leadership Institute benefit from a multifaceted approach that includes interactive workshops, individualized mentorship from organizational advisors, and sustained, hands-on leadership experiences within student organizations. These components are thoughtfully designed to foster critical thinking, effective communication, ethical decision-making, and collaborative problem-solving—core competencies that are essential for impactful leadership in a rapidly evolving global society.
Beyond enhancing students’ capacity to lead within the campus community, the Institute places a strong emphasis on the transferability of leadership skills to professional and civic contexts. By bridging theory and practice, students are encouraged to reflect on their experiences, articulate their leadership philosophy, and apply their learning in ways that extend beyond their collegiate involvement. As a result, graduates of the Bishop Leadership Institute are well-prepared to assume leadership roles in their chosen careers and to contribute meaningfully as engaged citizens and professionals in their communities. For more information, please contact Elliot Smith at esmith@ncwu.edu.
National Society of Leadership & Success
North Carolina Wesleyan University students can join the online chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), the largest leadership honor society in the U.S. with over 700 chapters and 1.4 million members. Students are selected based on strong academic achievement and gain access to $400,000+ in scholarships, an exclusive job board, a personalized letter of recommendation, and Speaker Broadcasts featuring leaders like former President Barack Obama, all designed to support leadership, community involvement, and personal growth. For more information, please contact Dr. Anne Aichele at aaichele@ncwu.edu.
Wesleyan Academy for Athletic Leadership (WAAL)
The Wesleyan Athletic Leadership Academy (WAAL) is a program designed to help Battling Bishop student-athletes grow as leaders both on and off the field. Founded by Coach John Thompson, the program brings together selected student-athletes throughout the school year to build important leadership skills.
Participants take part in a variety of activities, including guest speaker sessions, team-building exercises, workshops, videos, and small group discussions. These experiences are designed to be engaging, practical, and easy to apply in everyday situations.
Through the program, students learn how to communicate clearly, handle challenges with confidence, and work well with teammates and coaches. WAAL also helps students build strong relationships, develop their voice as leaders, and serve as positive role models in their school and community.
Student-athletes are chosen for the program by Wesleyan’s coaching staff based on their potential to lead and their commitment to personal growth. For more information, please contact John Thompson at jthompson@ncwu.edu.
Bishop Mentoring Alliance
The Bishop Mentoring Alliance at North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) connects students with community mentors to foster professional and personal growth through structured guidance. Students must complete an application, attend orientation, and engage in bi-monthly, or in-person meetings, while maintaining accountability through mandatory, post-meeting documentation. You can review the full enrollment details on the NCWU website. For more information, please contact Jennifer Anderson at janderson@ncwu.edu.
Shelton Challenge
The Shelton Challenge is a six-day residential leadership experience to help students expand their knowledge and skills of what it takes to be an effective leader. Offered to rising 9th-grade to graduating seniors (graduating seniors included) with a 3.0+ unweighted GPA, hands-on activities focus on: personal leadership assessment and interpersonal dynamics, the role of values and ethics in leadership, leadership traits and approaches, empowering others, civic and social responsibility and goal setting. Students also have the opportunity to participate in team-building activities, low and high ropes courses, service projects, and fun night activities to help students get to know others participating in the program. For more information, please contact sheltonchallenge@ncwu.edu or 252-985-5386. Learn more…
Wesleyan Leadership Academy (for Middle and High School Students)
This summer program is designed for middle and high school students who are looking for a more meaningful and engaging experience. It focuses on building important leadership skills that students can use in school, sports, and everyday life.
Participants will develop skills such as critical thinking, teamwork, problem-solving, and effective communication. Through interactive activities and guided instruction, students will gain practical tools to help them lead with confidence.
The program is rooted in strong life values and the principles of servant leadership. Coach Thompson draws on his years of experience in collegiate athletics to provide real-world insight and guidance. While the program is especially valuable for student-athletes, it is open to any student who wants to grow as a leader and make a positive impact. For more information, please contact Jennifer Anderson at janderson@ncwu.edu.
