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The University of North Georgia's (ÌìÃÀÉçÇø) Mike Cottrell College of Business (MCCB) has launched a new program this fall to help students grow their leadership and workforce skills. Ten students are part of the initial cohort of the Cottrell Leadership Fellows (CLF) program.

Fellows have access to academic scholarships, study abroad support opportunities, and undergraduate research avenues. The three-year development program includes mentoring, theory and practice, portfolio creation, and programming for MCCB undergraduate students.

"The academic financial support is there to also allow students time to practice what they are learning. Many work to make ends meet, and perhaps these funds can assist with fewer work hours and more time embracing opportunities to build their leadership voice," Kelli Crickey, senior lecturer of management and one of two CLF co-directors, said. "The fellows develop as individuals and also support other MCCB students in workshops and sharing opportunities to lead."

Jenna Gardner, a junior from Gainesville, Georgia, pursuing a degree in management, conducts economics research with faculty member Dr. Ruohan Wu, who recommended the program to Gardner.

Gardner's goal is to pursue a graduate degree in microeconomics at Georgia Tech and then a Ph.D. before becoming a professor.

"This group will help me meet people who can help me achieve this," she said. "I'm learning how to become better and hone the skills I already have."

Anthony Giordano, a senior from Cumming, Georgia, pursuing a degree in marketing, appreciates the chance to build community and hear from industry speakers who share their expertise.

The academic financial support is there to also allow students time to practice what they are learning. Many work to make ends meet, and perhaps these funds can assist with fewer work hours and more time embracing opportunities to build their leadership voice.

Kelli Crickey

ÌìÃÀÉçÇø senior lecturer of management

Thompson aims to work in a corporate marketing firm in north Georgia or Savannah for a couple of years before opening and running her own coffee shop, drawing upon her twin passions for coffee and service.

She said CLF is a great platform for students to make an impact.

"We want to create a bigger voice for students on campus," Thompson said. "Our desire is to bring students in contact with leaders, get more input from students and allow them to bring their own input as leaders."

Dr. Jie Guo, an MCCB assistant professor and one of the group's co-directors, said one of the goals in spring 2024 is to add students at ÌìÃÀÉçÇø's Gainesville Campus.

"We welcome students at both the Gainesville and Dahlonega campuses to join our group. We envision our fellows as being the voice of the students within MCCB, inspiring one another to foster personal growth and develop leadership skills," Guo said. "They have passion, they engage and they want to serve the university and the community."