JONESBORO — The Center for Leadership Excellence (CLE) at Arkansas State University recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of efforts dedicated to student growth and leadership development. Founded on Nov. 10, 2016, by Dr. Kathy White Loyd and 28 other women, the CLE has supported students through mentorship, professional development programs, and scholarship opportunities.
According to CLE Executive Director Dr. Patricia Quinn Johnston, the organization’s initiatives underscore the importance of fostering connections that benefit students’ health, career prospects, and well-being. This fall, the center hosted its annual conference, an event designed to celebrate those connections and promote engagement within Arkansas's leadership community. "The day revolved around connecting with new friends and reconnecting with friends we have known for a decade," Johnston said.
Over the past ten years, the CLE has facilitated thousands of hours of mentoring and mock interviews while awarding more than 145 scholarships to leadership interns. In addition, hundreds of students have completed the CLE internship program, which provides real-world experience and networking opportunities. Participants have traveled to cities such as New York, Atlanta, Nashville, and Little Rock for leadership development and service-learning trips.
One of the CLE’s notable initiatives is the 'Step Up, Reach Back Mentoring and Service Program,' which focuses on matching students with experienced mentors. Johnston said approximately 100 students are participating in the program this semester, though more mentors are needed to meet demand.
"We make mentoring easy," Johnston explained. "We offer small group mentoring through online sessions and provide suggested discussion topics." The online sessions, held monthly, require only a one-hour time commitment. Johnston noted that mentoring opportunities are flexible, with options ranging from in-person meetings and mock interviews to casual gatherings for lunch or holiday meals like Thanksgiving.
The CLE continues to seek individuals interested in mentoring Arkansas State students. Those who wish to participate can contact the center at cle@AState.edu for more information.
As the CLE celebrates this milestone, its leaders remain committed to empowering students through mentorship and leadership training designed to equip them for future success.