Student leaders from colleges and universities statewide come together for the Student Leadership Conference

DAVIS, WV – Fifty student government representatives from thirteen two- and four-year colleges across West Virginia gathered at Canaan Valley Resort and Conference Center for the 18th annual West Virginia Student Leadership Conference (WVSLC). The WVSLC serves as a training event for student government representatives, many of whom are newly elected to their roles. During the conference, students learned leadership skills, networked with other student body leaders, and shared ideas for engaging their campus communities. 

The event provides workshops on a variety of leadership topics and an opportunity for student leaders to exchange ideas and work together to find solutions to issues that are important to them and the students on their campuses. Much of this year’s discussions focused on effective communication skills and community and stakeholder engagement.  

The three-day conference was filled with dynamic sessions, workshops and round-table discussions. Students discussed a variety of topics, including the role of student government, how to engage with local, state and federal officials, increasing community involvement, and combating mental health issues on campus. Students were also able to socialize and trade ideas with peers from other colleges to network and facilitate ideas that they can share across campuses. 

“WVSLC gave me the invaluable opportunity to meet with other student leaders from collegiate student governments across the state,” stated Alyssa Hudson from Marshall University.  “I loved every minute of this insightful conference and found that my leadership skills were improving simply through the conversations I was having with my peers.” 

During the conference, sessions were led by both college faculty, advisors and students. Sessions gave participants the chance to interact one-on-one with other student government leaders and share ideas that they can then utilize in their respective campus communities.  

“I greatly appreciate the knowledge and support I received over these past few days,” remarked Jeanette Ziegler from West Virginia Northern Community College. “The training we received here will better ourselves for our schools now and for the future leaders who will take our place when we are gone.  We now have a refreshed ambition, and we are excited to implement so many great ideas gained from this experience into our own college.” 

The WVSLC is co-sponsored by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and the West Virginia Community and Technical College System, with Shepherd University assisting with the coordination of the event.