John Ben Shepperd
Public Leadership Institute

The John Ben Shepperd Leadership Forum began in 1984 with private funding and brought leadership training to young people of Texas through an Annual Forum as well as through high school forums throughout the state. To expand on the Forums' vision, the John Ben Shepperd Public Leadership Institute became part of UT Permian Basin in the Fall of 1995 with funding from the 74th Session of the Texas Legislature.

http://www.utpb.edu/jbs/leadership.htm

Mission:

The Mission of the John Ben Shepperd Public Leadership Institute is to provide young Texans an education for and about leadership, ethics and public service.

Programs:

• Academic Studies
  
  The Institute supports the BA undergraduate studies program in the field of Leadership Studies in the College of Arts and Sciences. A feature of the program is the opportunity for students to practice leadership skills through internships with established leaders in the community. In addition, the Institute sponsors scholarly research, publications and seminars on issues regarding leadership, as well as, an annual special summer program.

• Distinguished Lecture Series
  
  Each year on campus there is a series of distinguished lecturers invited to conduct intensive discussions on selected topics of leader - ship. This is a unique opportunity for the participants to exchange thoughts and ideas with some of the great leaders of the country. The program is open to the public and is available through video and interactive communication.
  

• Specialized Seminars
  
  The Institute holds a series of seminars concerning various aspects of leadership that can be utilized by business, community and school leaders. The seminars can also be specialized to fit the needs of a specific organization or group.
  
  
• Student Forums
  
  Throughout Texas, local organizations such as Jaycee Chapters, Chambers of Commerce and colleges and universities sponsor innovative forums patterned after the statewide annual forum. The participants learn the basics of leadership, exchange ideas with local leaders and develop a project to focus on local issues to continue their training and education.
  
  
• Regional Forums
  
  Alumni of the Annual Forum conduct regional forums offering presentations and discussions on issues of particular interest to these communities. By inviting local leaders, the regional forums provide alumni the opportunity to further their understanding of public leadership and government issues, as well as, give greater exposure to the Annual Forum.
  

• Annual Forum
  
  The Annual Forum is designed to bring together the experience and wisdom of today's established leaders with the energy and idealism of young emerging leaders to develop skills and ideas necessary to meet the challenges of future generations of Texans. In addition to those who have completed the nomination process, selected members of student forums and regional forums are invited to attend. During this unique weekend conference, participants develop visions of leadership to encourage them to think specifically of application to issues in their communities.

• Student Leadership Camp
  
  Each Summer, the Institute hosts on campus an intensive weeklong leadership camp for up to thirty high school students. The goal of the camp is to return students to their respective communities prepared to assume leadership roles at their schools and become involved in public service.

• Awards and Recognition
  
  The Institute annually recognizes outstanding Texans with the Texas Leadership and Political Courage awards. Nominations come from the general public, business, academic and political entities. In addition, recognition is given to outstanding student , regional and annual forum attendees who have met the award criteria.