Plemmons Leadership Scholars

Plemmons Leadership Scholars is a cohort based, four-year scholarship program. Each summer, up to ten scholars are accepted from the incoming first-year class. Scholars join an active community of 40 students and an alumni network of over 250 individuals. 

Over four years, Plemmons Leadership Scholars foster strong connections with fellow scholars, program directors, and campus administrators; engage in academic and experiential leadership learning; and are challenged to create positive social change on campus and in the local community.

Dr. William Howard Plemmons, Appalachian State University’s second president, was known as “the builder president” for his investment and expansion in the campus infrastructure, curriculum, and student life. As a continuation of his impact, the Plemmons Leadership Scholars program provides support, development, and resources to motivated student leaders who seek to build a thriving, just, and caring campus community. Through opportunities in and out of the classroom, Plemmons Leadership Scholars are empowered to develop personally and professionally, embrace continuous, reflection and learning, critically examine leadership systems and structures, take action on issues and causes that matter to them, serve as advocates alongside peers and community members, and contribute to lasting change in groups and organizations they are a part of. 

Program Benefits

Benefits of being part of the Plemmons Leadership Scholars program include:

• A $2,000 scholarship awarded each year over four years
• Networking and mentorship from campus staff, administrators, and upper class peers
• Expanded leadership efficacy, capacity, motivation, and enactment