Our Programs: NC Fellows
Mission
The North Carolina Fellows Program, established in 1968, is a four-year leadership development program designed to accelerate and support the development of highly motivated undergraduate students with exceptional leadership potential. The mission of the NC Fellows Program is to build a community of future leaders who are highly motivated, service-oriented, effective, creative, and ethical. Through contact with other highly motivated individuals, NC Fellows are challenged to become more aware of themselves while being exposed to others who may not share similar values.
Selection
All interested first-year undergraduates are encouraged to apply early spring semester of their first year. Approximately 70 applicants are selected to participate in preliminary interviews conducted by current NC Fellows, University faculty, and University staff. From this group, 35-40 finalists participate in a day of extensive interviews with NC Fellows alumni, community leaders, and senior University administrators. Approximately 20 students are invited to participate in the NC Fellows Program. Selection is based on the following: motivation for leadership, awareness of oneself and society, demonstration of leadership ability, and commitment to the development of self and others through the NC Fellows Program.
Program Design
- First-Year Retreat:
A weekend retreat focused on self-awareness and leadership styles.
- Sophomore Seminar: A
three-credit seminar on leadership styles, philosophies, and issues
related to leadership.
- Junior Retreat: A
weekend retreat with emphasis on values and service in leadership.
- Senior Retreat:
A weekend retreat focused on life transitions and change in one's leadership
style.
- Monthly Seminars: All
classes gather with community leaders outstanding in their fields, such
as business, education, and government. Examples of past speakers include
Andy Sachs, Orange Co. Dispute Settlement Center; Ducky Nguyen, owner
of Saigon Cuisine in Greensboro, a community leader, and a Vietnamese
immigrant; Mary Morrison, former APPLES director and now Adult Outreach
Coordinator at Friday Center; William C. Friday, president emeritus
of the University of North Carolina system; Virginia Carson, director
of Campus Y; Dr. Bryan of UNC Hospitals; Harvey Gantt, former mayor
of Charlotte, North Carolina; Ed Pringle, Kenan-Flagler Business School;
Trish Hussey, local non-profits; and Teresa Artis, cable TV.
- Summer Internships: All
NC Fellows participate in at least one internship relating to their
career and areas of professional or academic interest. These internships
are self-defined, and students are encouraged to stretch their goals.
Examples of past internship locations include Sageworks (Raleigh and
Boston); American Civil Liberties Union in New York City; Coalition
for Battered Women in Guatemala (Comité Nacional por Ciegos y
Sordomudas); Healthworks (London); Ayurvedic medicine internships (India);
Democratic National Convention in Washington, D.C.; FBI in Washington,
D.C.; various law internships in Washington DC; Another.com (London);
U.S. State Department in Nepal; and the White House in Washington, D.C.
- Summer Reading: All
NC Fellows participate in summer reading and follow-up discussions of
books related to the subject of leadership.
- Steering Committee:
Two student representatives from each class serve on the Steering Committee,
along with the Program Director, to provide feedback about program activities
and to make recommendations for changes. This group meets once a month.
In addition, class representatives serve as key contacts within their
classes.
- Leadership Opportunities: Several
leadership opportunities are available within the NC Fellows Program
itself. For example, NC Fellows can serve as monthly seminar coordinators,
community service leadership project class coordinators, chairpersons
of the selection committee, alumni contacts, and retreat coordinators.
- Center for Creative Leadership:
Junior and senior NC Fellows may participate
in an intensive three-day program sponsored by the internationally recognized
Center for Creative Leadership in Greensboro, North Carolina.
- Alumni Contact:
With approximately 500 alumni, current NC Fellows can network with others
who have experience in a variety of career and leadership fields.
- Leadership Resources: NC Fellows participants also have access to the numerous books and training materials on leadership located in Carolina Leadership Development's Leadership Library.
The Long Run
Designed with a strong developmental focus, the program emphasizes peer and professional feedback. As a result of participation in the program, NC Fellows will develop both character and leadership abilities. The NC Fellows Program provides experiences that have a lasting impact.
Questions, comments? Email us at lead@email.unc.edu
