Central Michigan University

CMU leadership minor signs 300th student

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Topics in this story: College of Education and Human Services, Education and schools, People, Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services Administration, University news

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Media Contact(s):

Lindsay Allen
989-774-7327

Program Contact(s):

Eric Buschlen
989-774-2390

Sarah Shoemaker
shoem1s@cmich.edu

Central Michigan University continues to "lead" the way with one of its newest programs.

Sarah Shoemaker of Blissfield, who recently completed her freshman year at CMU, has become the 300th student to sign CMU's leadership minor. The 24-credit, interdisciplinary program, the first of its kind at a public university in Michigan, has been offered to students since fall 2006.

Shoemaker, the daughter of Kevin and Nancy Shoemaker of Blissfield, is pursuing a major in recreation, parks and leisure services administration with a concentration in commercial recreation and facility management. In the future, she hopes to manage a large commercial facility or pursue a career as an independent event planner.

Having already taken classes within the minor, Shoemaker credits the unique nature of the program, its variety and flexibility of course options, and its relevance to her future goals as driving forces behind her decision to sign the minor.

"I thought that having a leadership minor would improve my resume and give me additional skills needed to make me a better leader," she said. "Also, not many schools offer the minor and this made me find it attractive.

"I think the minor will provide me with skills to manage groups of people and guide them to a common goal," Shoemaker said.

According to Eric Buschlen, the leadership minor coordinator, the rapid success of the minor in just under two years is indicative of the future of the program and the demand for formal leadership education.

"The growth has been marvelous," said Buschlen, a faculty member in the recreation, parks and leisure services administration department. "Students are telling their friends about the program, and the dialogue is channeling students into the introduction to leadership classes."

Students who pursue the minor come from a variety of educational backgrounds and career aspirations, and they are able to tailor the curriculum to fit their individual interests and goals, he said.

The minor includes both traditional course work and practical experience working with a leader in the field. Students take courses in leadership theories and applications, ethics, and communication. In addition, they can choose three electives, including one from each of these areas: human behavior and development; interpersonal and group interaction; and leadership in a social, political or historical context.

"The minor fits well with every path and discipline," said Buschlen. "What successful career path is leaderless? What organizations succeed without leadership? The student leadership development vision of CMU has created a path for students to follow."

For more information on the leadership minor, visit http://www.cmich.edu/cmulead/minor.htm or call Buschlen at 989-774-1939.