LEAD program provides Jax State students with leadership and career-readiness skills
10/23/2026
Through a partnership with the Calhoun County Area Chamber & Visitors Center, students explore local industries, build professional connections and discover opportunities in the region
By Brett Buckner
Eleven Jacksonville State University students representing academic programs across the University recently completed the Leadership, Education and Development (LEAD) Program, gaining firsthand experience with local businesses, community organizations and leaders while developing skills to prepare them for their future careers.
The LEAD Program provides an immersive experience focused on leadership development, civic engagement, career readiness and community awareness. Throughout the program, participants interacted with local leaders, businesses, nonprofit organizations, government agencies and community partners while exploring issues related to economic development, quality of life and opportunities within the region.
The program was launched three years ago through a partnership between the Calhoun County Area Chamber & Visitors Center and Jax State to address a gap in existing leadership development opportunities for college students, said Savannah Dempsey, business development director for the Chamber and LEAD program director.
“We wanted to create something specifically for that age group,” she said, “and give them an opportunity to get connected to the business and community side of Calhoun County while they are still in college.”
“We felt like we were missing an opportunity to reach these students before they had already made up their minds about where they wanted to go after college,” Dempsey said. “We wanted to introduce them to the people, businesses and opportunities in their own community and show them that they can build a career and find their dream job right here in Calhoun County.”
One of the program's goals is to help students recognize the professional opportunities available in Calhoun County while encouraging them to become involved in the community and establish relationships with local leaders.
Students visited local businesses and were given opportunities to ask questions and speak directly with professionals working in various industries.
“We really want to expose them to things they may not get to experience in a classroom,” Dempsey said. “I think those personal connections can make a big difference when a student is trying to figure out what they want to do after college.”
For Vintavious (VJ) Billingsley, an applied manufacturing engineering major, the program provided valuable lessons about leadership and the qualities needed to become an effective leader.
“I learned about important qualities such as the ability to continue to learn, overcoming adversity, and the importance of building a strong team,” he said. “While learning these things, I also learned about the tools and opportunities that can help me grow professionally and become one of Alabama's next generation of leaders.”
Another participant, Greesh Sah, an applied manufacturing engineering major concentrating in automation and robotics, said the experience helped him recognize career opportunities close to home.
“Participating in the LEAD program showed me how many great career and industry opportunities exist right here in Calhoun County,” he said. “Hearing directly from representatives at the Chamber of Commerce, Regions Bank, First Bank of Alabama, and the Anniston Army Depot opened my eyes to our local job market.”
Sah also credited his mentor, Laurel Harp, with encouraging him to consider building a long-term career in the area. He said the program helped him better understand how the Chamber connects local businesses with the community.
“The workshops and sessions helped me build practical skills in leadership, team communication, and professional development,” Sah said. “The Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness (DiSC) assessment showed me that everyone has different strengths and taught me how to communicate better across diverse personalities.”
Sah said a LinkedIn workshop helped him learn how to present himself professionally online, while an Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) simulation offered insight into the financial challenges many families face.
The simulation, conducted in partnership with United Way of East Central Alabama, was among the program's experiential learning activities. It gave participants a firsthand perspective on the challenges faced by individuals and families living with limited financial resources and encouraged them to consider how social and economic factors influence health, well-being and community outcomes.
For two students from Jax State's College of Health Professions and Wellness, the program offered opportunities to connect their academic preparation with a broader understanding of the communities they may one day serve.
Paige Glaspie, a Master of Public Health student, and Joy Lawrence, a nursing student, participated alongside students from a variety of academic disciplines. Through LEAD, they gained exposure to community organizations, local leaders and issues that directly affect public health and healthcare delivery.
For students preparing for careers in healthcare and public health, experiences such as the poverty simulation demonstrate how economic conditions, access to resources and community partnerships can influence health outcomes.
"Programs like LEAD help students understand the communities they serve and strengthen their ability to work collaboratively across sectors," said Dr. Kelley Swatzell, associate professor and director of the Master of Public Health Program. "These experiences prepare future healthcare and public health professionals to lead effectively, build partnerships, and address the complex challenges that impact community well-being."
The program also included team projects designed to promote Calhoun County and identify ways to encourage students and young professionals to build their careers and futures in the region.
“We want to reach these students before they graduate and start looking outside of Calhoun County for their next opportunity,” Dempsey said. “We want them to leave LEAD thinking, ‘I could actually see myself building my career here.’”
Even students who have not settled on a career path can benefit from the professional relationships and leadership experience the program provides.
“We're also hoping they gain confidence, leadership skills and a better understanding of how they can make an impact locally,” Dempsey said. “It's not just about finding a job here. It's about helping them see that they can be a part of the community, build relationships and make a difference.”
Among Sah's most memorable experiences was a visit to the federal courthouse, where participants took part in a courtroom simulation involving U.S. District Judge Corey L. Maze.
“We took part in an accident court case simulation inside a real courtroom, which helped me understand how legal procedures work,” he said. “We also met U.S. Marshals and saw the holding cells, giving us a firsthand look at the federal justice system.”
For Sah, the experience reinforced the importance of developing interpersonal skills alongside technical expertise.
“As an engineering student,” he said, “the biggest lesson I took away is that technical skills are important, but learning how to communicate, collaborate, and support the people around you is what creates lasting impact.”
Dr. Dana Ingalsbe, professor in the Department of Applied Engineering, said experiences such as LEAD help students develop their professional identities and better understand how their skills can benefit the community.
“Through the program, students gain valuable exposure to businesses, agencies, and organizations across the region while building new connections with peers from a variety of academic disciplines,” she said. “I am confident that every student who participated in LEAD left with a greater appreciation for how they can make meaningful contributions in their future careers.”
Jax State Students who participated in the LEAD program
- Akeriyah Powell - Applied Manufacturing Engineering
- Delaney Whiddon – Marketing
- Greesh Sah - Applied Manufacturing Engineering, Automation & Robotics
- Isaac Brown - Economics and minor in Finance
- Joy Lawrence - Nursing
- Kailyn Minnifield - Early Childhood/ Elementary Education
- Paige Glaspie - Masters in Public Health as a Generalist
- RaShaud Drake - Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Studies (Concentration in Public Relations)
- Teresa E. ALvarado - Criminal Justice/Criminology
- Tytianna McDonald – Biology
- VJ Billingsley - Applied Manufacturing Engineering