JAMESTOWN, N.Y. — More than 150 area high school students were on the Jamestown Campus in March for SUNY Jamestown Community College’s third annual Leadership Conference.
Crystal Rose-Williams, interim vice president of Student Experience, and Jennifer Forney, assistant Business professor, shared remarks to open the day, followed by a “Leadership in the Arts” panel led by JCC faculty and staff.
Students then picked one of four learning tracks to build skills and competencies in those areas through discussions, presentations, and activities. Tracks led by faculty, staff, students, and guests included: Creative Expressions & Innovation, Leadership & Team Building, Inclusive Leadership, and Leadership & Communication.
Following lunch and a panel discussion with students from JCC and SUNY Fredonia, there were networking opportunities and an academic resource fair.
“The conference was something I almost didn't do but ended up being a life-changing experience,” said Brooke Feldt, a student at Chautauqua Lake Central Schol. “I mean, my life literally changed so many times just in the morning. It was wonderful to meet so many different people that I could look up to and learn from. It was also a great place to meet friends with leadership skills just like you."
Students also learned about JCC’s new Preferred Partnership with Fredonia. The partnership gives JCC graduates special benefits when transferring to Fredonia, including a seamless admissions process, transfer credit options, guided course pathways, early class registration, and campus involvement opportunities.
“The Leadership Conference is a great way for JCC and Fredonia to support and grow our current and future leaders,” said Corrine Case, JCC’s Admissions director. “It also gives prospective students a chance to connect with faculty, learn more about college life, and see what our partnership with SUNY Fredonia has to offer.”
Students attending came from Cattaraugus-Little Valley, Chautauqua Lake, Falconer, Frewsburg, Jamestown, Panama, and Randolph school districts.