Distinction in Leadership Studies
Preparing Leaders for Tomorrow
Birmingham-Southern College’s Distinction in Leadership Studies (DLS) program requires students to develop a comprehensive knowledge of leadership theory as well as a commitment to social responsibility. The program is based on the belief that effective leaders must be civic-minded, ethically aware, and knowledgeable of historical perspectives on leadership. Students completing the requirements will receive a certificate from the College awarding them the distinction. Graduating DLS seniors wear the blue Distinction in Leadership Studies cord at graduation
Begun in 1994, the Distinction in Leadership Studies program offers
the opportunity to explore leadership strengths, to examine leadership
in times of crisis, to analyze charismatic leadership, and to consider
how leadership transforms institutions. After completing the leadership
foundation course, students take additional classes that examine
leadership in different situations, such as leadership in Latin American
politics, the Civil Rights Movement, the letters of Paul, or the
protection of rare biological species.
In addition, students have the chance to work in the community and
observe 
leadership firsthand through civic engagement programs in
venues such as city schools or homeless shelters. Students shadow
a mentor, observing leadership in law, social work, medicine, or
business. Finally, through the Capstone Senior Leadership Seminar
(LS400) that culminates in a major oral presentation, public speaking
skills improve, enhancing one’s ability to communicate.
Anyone may enter. You decide to accept the challenge of the program.
You need not hold a formal leadership position on campus or be enrolled
in any specific major. The requirements of the Distinction program,
as part of
the College’s liberal arts program, complement all
majors and areas of study.
Students in the Distinction in Leadership Studies program frequently publish their scholarly work in Birmingham-Southern’s leadership journal, The Compass. In addition, Leadership Studies students may enter the world of advocacy through our Hess Center Fellows program, and special leadership training workshops like the Leading Edge Institute.
Graduates of the Distinction in Leadership Studies have gone on to numerous graduate schools, social service opportunities, and other national leadership positions.
Interested in the Distinction in Leadership Studies Program at Birmingham-Southern College? Contact Jeanne Jackson, Director of Leadership Studies, or other members of the Leadership Studies staff. Or, for high-school students, check out the Hess Center’s Student Leaders in Service summer program, open to rising seniors.
Click here to view The Compass, a journal of leadership and service..