After successfully graduating its first cohort of twenty-four (24) students in May 2024, the Emerging Leadership Academy, Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) initiated engagement with selected students in an innovative and novel program entitled “Mastering the Art of Effective Leadership”. 190 Students from 16 colleges, schools, and institutes at DUHS applied for enrollment in this coveted program. After careful review of applications (which included an interview) only 28 students were selected in the second cohort.

This highly interactive program will run for a period of 13 weeks culminating in a graduation ceremony in Fall 2024. During this period, students will have the opportunity to interact with talented faculty and staff who are committed to instilling in the students the core attributes of a Servant Leader. Topics such as servant leadership, accountability, communication, emotional intelligence, ethics and integrity, conflict resolution, strategic thinking, trusting teams, etc., will be discussed with the students.

Prior to initiating the program, all selected students were required to complete a detailed anonymous survey allowing faculty to have a better understanding of leadership strengths and opportunities for growth in this cohort. The data was analyzed using an advanced AI tool which provided additional highly valuable insight. Synopsis of this data was shared with the students during the introductory session. All selected students are also required to complete a “Personal” SWOT analysis and an assessment using CliftonStrenghts – a program designed to identify and help students understand their unique strengths and talents.