Servant Leadership: A Model for Developing College Students

Abstract

Students at Wright State University, with the assistance of faculty and administrators, have designed and implemented a new type of student leadership program, founded on concepts that stress service and a subordination of individual ambition to collective interests. Based on the notion of "servant leadership," articulated by Robert Greenleaf. the twoyear program attracts students who are interested in developing a selfless yet influential leadership style characterized by commitment to others. It stresses skill and inner strength, the development of. as well as the ability to lead by persuasion, not coercion. A leadership phase follows an initial service phase.