Student leaders from colleges and universities statewide gather for the Student Leadership Conference

DAVIS, WV – Student government representatives and advisors from two- and four-year public colleges and universities 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 higher education administrators, and shared ideas for engaging their campus communities.

The event provides workshops on a variety of leadership topics. Student leaders collaborated to find solutions to issues that are important to them and the students on their campuses. This year, discussion focused on effective communication skills, community and stakeholder engagement, and decreasing stop-out rates.

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 providing student support systems. Students were also able to socialize and trade ideas with peers from other colleges, as well as engage with state and college officials.

“This conference has provided me with opportunities to learn how to be a better leader through collaboration with other amazing leaders from schools across the state,” Sydney Barbour student government leader from Marshall University stated,  “I look forward to using this experience to strengthen my skills within leadership position at my own school.”

During the conference, sessions were led by both college faculty, student government advisors and students. Sessions tackled common campus issues and provided students with solutions on how to increase campus involvement and enrollment. Additionally, participants learned from other students, faculty and state higher education leaders.

Rachael Meads, Director of Student Activities and Leadership at Shepherd University and member of the conference planning team stated, “This conference is a highlight of our Student Government leadership training each year. Our students have the unique opportunity to network with advisors and other students from across the state and learn from one another about the best ways to support students, advocate for issues that are important to them, and gain insights from student government alumni and professionals across the state.”

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

Photos from the 2024 West Virginia Student Leadership Conference can be found here.