Nearly 300 students from ASU’s four campuses gathered in Tempe Saturday to participate in the Fall Forward Leadership Conference and discover what it means to be a leader.

The seven-hour event, which was funded by the Undergraduate Student Government, offered informational sessions and speakers to enhance students’ leadership skills and provide networking opportunities.

Leadership is not only essential for success in college, but also in the workplace, said Jennifer Stults Krasnow, assistant director of student engagement at ASU.

“Research shows that students who are involved and engaged persist and graduate at higher rates … also have a more fulfilling collegiate experience,” Krasnow said. “The leadership skills gained at ASU will transcend the ASU experience.”

The conference kicked off with keynote speaker Joshua Fredenburg, a leadership and motivational speaker, author, and voice of Generations X and Y who talked about leadership on a larger scale and how students have the power to make an impact on their campus, in their communities and in the nation.

“I believe students are the heroes,” Fredenburg said. “[They] are the answer to the economy, the answer to health care, the answer to those in depression.”

Students must have a vision, a strategic action plan, courage, and the ability to overcome obstacles in order to be a good leader, he said.
While success is important, it is more important to be significant, Fredenburg said.

“[Leadership] is about building to a higher level,” Fredenburg said. “[People] will remember others for the content of their character.”

The conference also offered breakout sessions for students to develop traditional leadership skills like managing a successful organization and more innovative skills like emotional intelligence.

Communication senior Sara Baird attended the conference and said without her leadership roles she would be a different person.

“I would be bored, and I wouldn’t be as happy if I wasn’t a leader,” Baird said. “Everybody should try to take a leadership role because it is so important.” 

ASU’s Student Entrepreneurship Coordinator Sara Christenson agreed that leadership is important and pointed out that today’s student leaders are tomorrow’s entrepreneurs.

“A leader is someone who is not afraid to take the risk that is an inherent part of the entrepreneurial process,” she said. “Leaders are prepared and informed and ready to venture out into new areas.”

Besides being prime candidates for success, Christenson said leadership education allows students to distinguish themselves from their peers.

“For students, practicing these concepts in the college setting is the perfect preparation for a successful transition into the professional world.”

Reach the reporter at tnowen@asu.edu.