The Servant Leadership Program (SLP) invokes unique ways of learning to stimulate education about passion, vocation, and leadership. This year the program changed its structure.

Director of Leadership and Community Based Service Dave Newell is a key leader for the Servant Leadership Program and shared his definition of what it all means to him.

“Servant Leadership Program is designed to explore leadership in two ways: self-discovery and awareness and understanding the needs of the community and others and how to act on those things,” Newell said.

The group of students meets weekly, either as a whole group or within four smaller groups, called circles. Students learn how to communicate on a deeper level to build relationships and learn through self-discovery and from others.

Sophomore Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Major Sarah Barnes has been in the program for two years and explained the loose format where students come to the group at various places and can begin to grow from there.

“SLP doesn’t have definite boundaries and that is the beauty of it. However much effort that you put into it will reflect what you get out of it,” Barnes said.

“Servant Leadership Program is designed to explore leadership in two ways: self-discovery and awareness and understanding the needs of the community and others and how to act on those things.”—Dave Newell

Discussions revolve around values, passion, calling, and leadership. It is a place where busy Gusties can take the time to have important and meaningful conversations. Having a specific place to talk about leadership and learn certain skills is why students find SLP a valuable program at Gustavus.

“SLP is important because it is learning to be aware of the impact a person can have. It is about how you’re a leader and have an impact, even when you’re not in the spotlight,” Sophomore Philosophy and Management Major Luke Israel said.

The Servant Leadership Program went to a Delano horse farm last weekend in an equestrian learning experience. There was an emphasis on group dynamics, team building, and how to overcome challenges as a group.

One challenge the group faced was directing three horses into separate corners of an arena with various restrictions placed on them.

“The horses would pick up on our emotions. When we were calm, the horses were calm. When we were trying to be productive, the horses were more agitated as well,” Israel said.

While interacting with the horses the group had to see patterns and make changes to adapt to the restrictions to reach the goal. These retreats are real life experiences where they can apply what students talk about in their circles or during large group.

“SLP is important because it is learning to be aware of the impact a person can have.”—Luke Israel

The Servant Leadership Program has had an influence on participants even after they leave Gustavus.

“I’ve seen the impact of SLP often after students graduate. I’ve had many people e-mail me with anecdotes of how the program has helped them. For example, they may have been in a situation in work and they knew how to handle it because of our work in SLP,” Newell said.   

There have been many changes to the program this year that have come from student suggestions and ideas to improve the group. The Servant Leadership Program values open conversation and students to shape the program in ways that they see most beneficial.

SLP revamped its structure this year, replacing the three-tiered system to one with just one level.

Circles are in the process of taking their deep discussions to the next level by finding a topic that they are all passionate about and will find a way to implement this passion on campus.

Examples of these passions could be climate change, encouraging a conscious consumer society, and a variety of other issues.

“Even though the program has changed, the core values and goals are the same. We have just shifted how we see them through,” Barnes said.

The program looks to foster deeper relationships in a culture of busy and over-committed Gusties that may not find the time otherwise. For more information on the Servant Leadership Program, contact Dave Newell in the Center for Servant Leadership.

-Laura Isdahl