9th Annual Leadership Conference at UVU

On Oct. 7, Utah Valley University’s Center for the Advancement of Leadership (CAL), which is ranked among the top ten leadership programs at universities, will be hosting the largest leadership conference in the nation.

The conference, which is the 9th Annual Leadership Conference held by the CAL, invites not only college and high school students but also institutions and business communities. Over four thousand students will be attending, and more than nineteen speakers will be addressing leadership knowledge, skills and aptitudes.

Designed to assist students and participants explore the dimensions of leadership, the conference will occur Oct. 7 at UVU’s McKay Events Center and around campus from 8:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Opening the conference is speaker Ron McMillan, who is co-author of three “New York Times” bestsellers: “Crucial Conversations,” “Crucial Confrontations” and the latest and focus of the conference, “Influencer.” Also speaking is Sharlene Hawkes, who is Marketing Officer for StoryRock and a former Miss America. They will be speaking on the theme for the conference this year: The Engaged Leader, Building Your Capacity to Influence.

This theme aims to help students become more engaged in their lives. “Engagement is the key,” explained Dr. Bruce Jackson, director of the CAL. “This year’s conference has been designed to help students recognize the importance of leadership by engaging in the arenas that surround them every day. Leading through engagement means taking a proactive attitude in making change happen — whether this is in one’s school, neighborhood or serving in other valuable causes.”

Stephen R. Covey, who is the author of “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” and was named one of “Time” magazine’s twenty-five most influential Americans, is involved with the program at UVU.
“In today’s knowledge worker society, leadership skills will make the difference between success and failure. The Center for the Advancement of Leadership is leading the charge for developing leadership skills, competencies and experiences for students of all ages,” said Covey. “With this vision, I am thrilled to be involved with this cutting-edge program and encourage our community to be involved.”