In November, the ASPH Student Services Council organized a Student Leadership Development Workshop which was held in conjunction with the ASPH annual meeting. The event was developed in response to Student Services Council members' requests to address the need for a leadership development opportunity for our schools' leaders, and was dedicated to the memory of John Wiggs, whose vision drove the initial planning. More than twenty of the accredited schools had representatives at the workshop.

Over 50 students, each selected by their schools, participated in this skill-building opportunity.  By all accounts the workshop was a resounding success.  It was a dynamic opportunity for student leaders from accredited schools of public health across the country to meet and come together for a day of self-reflection and personal growth as nascent leaders in public health. The packed room was vibrant with energy and enthusiasm.

The workshop began with guest speaker, Dr. Ivan Walks, former Chief Health Officer of the District of Columbia, who spoke about his experience during the anthrax exposure events in Washington DC in 2002 and in particular on how important leadership skills were to being effective in a crisis situation. Dr. Walks gave an insightful and motivating address highlighting his life experiences as a leader, both within and external to the Public Health arena.

The students then participated in an interactive assessment using a Student Leadership Practices Inventory which was led by Melissa Severe and Adam Negley.  Participants completed a self-assessment on leadership skills prior to the workshop and also had peers and colleagues submit similar assessments of the students' leadership skills.  The students received an analysis of their results at the workshop and spent the afternoon discussing ways to strengthen their skills. “The Leadership Practices Inventory enabled me to learn about the difference between my perception and others' perception of my leadership…I felt myself being more cognizant of my leadership behaviors following the inventory even before I received the results at the workshop”, said one young leader.

Participating students commented that being surrounded by talented and accomplished student peers fostered priceless dialogue regarding their respective leadership experiences. The day's events formed friendships and rejuvenated the mind.

The student evaluations of this event were very positive.  Quoting one student participant "I am very grateful for the opportunity to attend the student leadership workshop and feel that I took away many important lessons that will help me become a better leader.  I learned specific behaviors I can work on to become a better leader." Another student leader said, "I was provided with the knowledge to continue to growing as a leader by developing my abilities and strengthening my weaknesses." Similar sentiments were echoed by other attendees, our future, and present, leaders.

Many thanks go to the planning committee, including:

• Ms. Nancy Murphy Culbert, Saint Louis University School of Public Health;
• Ms. Chris Tisch, University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health;
• Mr. Dorian Thomas, University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health;
• Ms. Stephanie Tamborello, University of Texas School of Public Health;
• Ms. Melissa Sever, Ohio State University College of Public Health;
• Mr. Dwight Williams, University at Albany School of Public Health; and,
• Ms. Cynthia Lamberth, University of Kentucky College of Public Health.