Last spring, St. Andrew’s announced the new Global Leaders Program, held within the Alexander Clark Institute for Advanced Studies. Each year, Freshman have the opportunity to apply to the program, where over the course of two years they will be prepared to become impactful leaders equipped to address global challenges and drive meaningful change.

“In their first year, students participate in Global Leadership Seminar I,” Emily Philpott, Director of Global Studies said. “We meet during lunch on Wednesdays and Mrs. Rodriguez and Mr. McWhorter are teaching this semester and focusing on the areas of Cultural and Historical Literacy (Mrs. Rodriguez) and Conservation and Stewardship (Mr. McWhorter).”

This course will award 0.5 credits to participating students. The course consists of meetings, guest speakers, and various assignments, along with journaling. Main themes of the program are cultural and historical literacy, stewardship, and conservation. All of these lessons lead up to a January cohort trip to Mexico with Millsaps.

 “A key highlight is a cohort trip to Mérida, Mexico, and the Yucatán, where students will immerse themselves in the region’s rich culture and language, explore Maya ruins, and collaborate with a nonprofit bio-cultural reserve” Philpott said. “This partnership with Millsaps College offers students a unique opportunity to learn about archaeology and conservation work, guided by the expertise of faculty and the support of state-of-the-art facilities in Mexico.”

After returning home, students will have an independent studies project that aligns with the program’s themes and goals that will prepare them to engage and deal with the complexities of leadership in a global context. 

“By combining academic rigor, immersive global experiences, and a commitment to service,” Philpott said, “the Global Leaders Program empowers students to become impactful leaders equipped to address global challenges and drive meaningful change.”