Fifteen incoming freshmen at Northwestern Oklahoma State University have been selected for a yearlong adventure as members of the President’s Leadership Class (PLC).

PLC is a leadership development program led by Dr. Janet Cunningham, university president. The program seeks to develop leadership skills in students who have compiled exemplary records of academic success and participation in high school activities. Graduates of the program are expected to assume leadership roles on campus during their time at Northwestern.

“The students who are chosen for PLC have given us a glimpse into the leadership skills they already possess,” Cunningham said. “We aim to provide more education in developing those skills, while they continue to excel academically, to create future leaders within our society.”

“Activities are planned as normal this year, so we are all excited to see the growth from this PLC class and the opportunities they will have.”

Students selected for this year’s President’s Leadership Class include:

Brianna Brantley – Amarillo, Texas

Kathryn Brashears – Beaver

Sage Budy – Waynoka

Colton Castor – Vici

John David Cloud – Seiling

Josie Gibson – Hooker

Kylie Hallmark-McLain – Fargo

Delaney Lambert – Alva

Gracie Myatt – Piedmont

Lindsay Olson – Timberlake

Joe Parsons – Alva

Maddie Pitts – Waynoka

Santiago Sanchez – Ville St. Laurent, Quebec, Canada

Cora Beth Taylor – Kingfisher

Noah Voth – Enid

Selection to the PLC is through a competitive process including applications, letters of recommendation and an interview, which were held in person and through Zoom.

The students will begin their year-long adventure with an evening of team building on Aug. 7 and will then leave for Boston, Massachusetts, on Aug. 8.

“This trip is to not only learn about our country’s rich history but also to form bonds among the students,” Cunningham said.

Activities during the four-day trip include walking the Freedom Trail, an escape room experience, a whale-watching expedition, and of course, a Boston Red Sox game at historic Fenway Park.

The first PLC class began in fall 2001 with assistance from the Presidential Partners. In 2007, Presidential Partners was renamed to The President’s Association. Moving toward a more long-term investment, the President’s Association was changed to the Northwestern Leadership Trust in 2020, which is an endowment program to better serve the needs of the students.

Class members participate in leadership activities and assist the president and her staff in hosting dignitaries on campus and in selected recruitment activities.