For the past seven weeks, influential members from the Lowcountry community have been coming to the University of South Carolina Beaufort to share their experiences and thoughts about leadership to selected students in a special class entitled Leadership in Practice, hosted by Chancellor Jane Upshaw.
State senator Tom Davis, USDA rural development state director Vernita Dore, Beaufort mayor Billy Keyserling, CEO of Hilton Head Healthcare Mark O’Neil, Commanding General of Parris Island Lori Reynolds, and Beaufort Country school education superintendent Valerie Truesdale have each spoken to the class thus far.
Six more community leaders are scheduled to appear before the end of the semester, including former Penn Center Director Emory Campbell and CEO of the South Carolina Lottery Paula Harper Bethea.
As noted by Chancellor Upshaw, “It is heartening to have busy and important community and business leaders who are willing to share their time and life experiences with USCB Leadership in Practice students.”  Upshaw added that the idea for the class was presented to her by USCB’s Department of Social Sciences chair, Dr. Charles Spirrison, who had experience with similar classes at other institutions prior to assuming his current position at USCB.
In order to enroll in the class, students had to be recommended by two professors and demonstrate leadership on campus. They were also required to submit a written essay, a resume, and were subjected to a formal interview process.
Of the 25 students invited to apply, 10 were selected to participate. According to Chancellor Upshaw, “The Leadership students represent USCB well through their reflective and probing questions.  It has been fascinating to see the interaction of our students with these leaders.”
Nine of the 10 students enrolled are seniors with varying backgrounds, including presidents of campus organizations, student athletes and editors of the school newspaper.
Erica Moore, USCB’s student body president and the sole junior in the class, says she is enjoying the class, and appreciates having been selected.  “Everyone who comes to speak with us is so interesting, and has so much to offer to this batch of leaders that will be coming out of USCB,” Moore said. “We’re all so grateful to be a part of this, and are hoping that one day we can follow in their footsteps, becoming leaders in our community.”