CSU Student-Athletes Participate in Cougars LEAD Academy

CHICAGO—Chicago State University unveiled the Cougars LEAD Academy, started by Chicago State Director of Athletics Elliott Charles, which will provide opportunities for select CSU student-athletes to develop leadership competencies through a series of "leadershops" and an off-season internship program within the athletic department.
 
The mission of the program is to identify, nurture and inspire Chicago State student-athletes through intentional and inclusive leadership development programming to enhance the student athlete experience and prepare students for transitions and pivots.
 
In support of student initiatives, each CSU sport is working to get their student-athletes registered to vote, following the announcement of WAC Votes (Western Athletic Conference), a non-partisan voter awareness program. The initiative supports the participation of willing and eligible conference student-athletes, coaches, staff and fans in the upcoming November general election and in other local, state and federal elections. CSU's men's and women's basketball teams both recently had each of their squads register.

"The support and participation in student initiatives is important to our program and the athletic department," head men's basketball coach Lance Irvin said. "We can help shape future leaders. One question our players consistently ask is how can they be agents of change. In my opinion, one of the easiest ways to make a difference is making your voice heard through voting, which is why we support WAC Votes and the Cougars LEAD Academy."  
 
Cougars LEAD Academy includes current sophomore, junior and senior CSU student-athletes and will focus on core values, personal enhancement, leadership, social responsibility, career development and community engagement.
 
Those selected to participate will experience leadership circles, webinars, experiential learning, conduct "leadershops" with community leaders and CSU alumni.
 
Goals of the program include the following:
•       An awareness and understanding of various leadership styles and approaches.
•       Exploration of a personal leadership philosophy, including personal values exploration, leadership identity development and reflective practice.
•       Develop an integrated sense of personal identity, a positive sense of self, and a personal code of ethics.
•       Team building and trust.
•       Civic and Community Engagement.
•       Demonstrate an understanding of the commitment to social justice and apply that knowledge to create safe, healthy, equitable and thriving communities.
•       Participate in experiential opportunities to identify career interest.
•       Search and prepare effectively for internships/jobs/graduate or professional schools.
•       Successfully transition to Life After Sport.
 
The inaugural class is made up of the following student-athletes:
 

Orelle Bulgin	Physics	MTR	Sr.
Ricordo McKenzie	Geography	MTR	GRAD
Hansika Tathgur	Marketing	WGO	Sr.
Adrianna Gonzalez	Managemetn Info Sys	WGO	Sr.
Jonathan Fernandez	Computer Science	MTR	Jr.
Wynter Webb	Physical Education	WBB	Jr.
Paola Fragalle	Management	WVB	So.
Susanna Andres	Physics	WTN	Jr.
Katerina Dukic	Math	WTN	So.
Faith Rotich	Pre-Nursing	WTR	So.