Michael Horrocks Leadership Institute Infographic
The Academy Flyer
Standing Tall Video
Mission: To teach, develop, and enhance the leadership skills and abilities of student-athletes at West Chester University
We will accomplish this by facilitating workshops and conferences for student-athletes which explore different aspects of leadership and identity, and through these events catalyze an environment which emphasizes the importance of peer-to-peer learning and self-reflection. Our goal is to educate student-athletes in the practice of good leadership, while equipping them with a deeper understanding of their own leadership skills and abilities, so they can return to their teams and continue to proliferate the knowledge they gained from attending our programs.
Background: Success on the field and court for West Chester University athletes is not uncommon. Over the decades, our institution can boast numerous championships, finalists, and NCAA #1 teams. There is little argument about that. West Chester University has embraced those successes both before Michael Horrocks became a student athlete on campus and after he left us. Michael was a football player at WCU, joined the United States Marine Corp, and eventually became a pilot for United Airlines. Michael Horrocks was the co-pilot of the 2nd plane that crashed into the world trade center on September 11, 2001. The quarterback, and a leader on his team, Michael epitomizes the notion of leadership that we promote in the Institute. The Michael Horrocks Leadership Institute is a multi-level development program consisting of three specific parts, The Emerging Leaders Conference, The Captains Leadership Advancement Series or CLAS and the Academy. Working very closely with the Office of Student Leadership and Involvement, we have been able to consistently provide these programs for student-athletes.
The Academy
Developed using the Social Change Model of Leadership that views leadership as purposeful, collaborative, and values-based, the Academy encompasses three cohorts (sophomores, juniors, seniors) who maintain a three year commitment in the program. The focus of these cohorts are Leadership and YOU, Leadership and OTHERS and Leadership and BEYOND. Students meet three times per semester to focus on the area that corresponds to their year in the program. The mission of the academy is to equip future student-athlete leaders with the tools necessary to create a meaningful and lasting impact both in their sport and in life beyond. This is accomplished primarily through introspection and peer-to-peer learning, with the group discussions and group activities often catalyzing our most vital lessons. The Academy seeks to build a cohort of student-athlete leaders united under the banner of collective growth for both themselves and their communities.
Captains Leadership Advancement Series
The Captain’s Leadership Advancement Series (CLAS) is a leadership program whose participants are nominated by their coaches as student-athletes who are current captains or have the potential to be future captains in their respective sports. There are four total sessions for all participants and the program is offered in both semesters. The focus is on leadership styles, conflict management, leaving a legacy, and effective communication with an emphasis on introspection and peer-to-peer learning.
Emerging Leaders Conference
This is a one day workshop for all Freshmen and Sophomore student-athletes. The Emerging Leaders Conference (ELC) happens once or twice per academic year. This workshop introduces the Social Change Model of Leadership through fun group activities. The goals are to equip future leaders and help create connections between first and second year athletes across all sports. After this program, our leaders are encouraged to apply to the Academy!
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