Magis - To seek excellence in all aspects of life; to find more purposeful and effective ways to carry out our work every day; to give greater love, care, and compassion to our neighbor.
Introduction
The Magis Leaders Program (MLP) is designed to assist students as they navigate early-career decisions and to give participants a competitive advantage when applying for jobs. These twin objectives are accomplished through the sharing of insights, strategies, and mindsets by successful C-suite business, professional, and civic leaders. Further, the subject matter of these seminars is focused on key areas of applied personal and professional development. This program is relevant for students of all backgrounds, majors, and professional aspirations.
Admission to the MLP is via a selection process that begins with submitting the MLP application and a recommendation from a community member (see the link at the bottom of this page for the application). The Selection Committee then reviews all applications and recommendations, and extends invitations to students who qualify. The evaluation criteria include academic scores, leadership experience, and community engagement.
Students admitted to the MLP will participate in eight two-hour sessions throughout the fall and spring semesters. Admission to the program entails the understanding that the two courses must be taken sequentially. Each course is valued at .5 credit hours or one full credit hour for the entire sequence. (This sequence can be used to replace Professional Readiness II MG 3001.)
Academic Component
With a focus on career readiness, seminars will explore personal branding, networking, mentorship, working smart, building and leading teams, interviewing, professional conduct, and cultivating respectful, collaborative workplaces. The MLP topics are presented by leaders who are considered subject-matter experts in their fields.
About the Professor
Ken Mellard is a community leader, leadership trainer, and former business leader who serves as an Adjunct Professor in the Helzberg School of Management. Before entering the workforce, he earned degrees from Rockhurst University and Boston College. During his tenure as a business owner, he led healthcare initiatives to automate medical services. He also led healthcare consulting teams focused on profit improvement strategies. Ken has served on multiple community organization boards in various leadership roles. He is the lead professor of the program and will be supported by other faculty of the College of Business, Influence, and Information Analysis. Dave Fowler previously created and developed the Program until his retirement.
Who Can Apply
Any current Rockhurst University undergraduate student or incoming transfer student can apply for enrollment in the Magis Leaders Program. To be considered, all applicants are expected to have an overall GPA of 2.9 or above.
Applicants
Each application must be supported by one reference from a professor, instructor, or university administrator who can attest to the applicant's character, motivation, and/or leadership potential. You will be prompted to provide contact information as part of the online application for your reference.