Emerging Leaders

What is the Emerging Leaders Program?

The Emerging Leaders Program is the premier learning experience under the Leadership banner at the University of Memphis. It began in 1983 and has benefited over 1,000 students since its inception. This prestigious program significantly enhances the undergraduate experience by promoting rigorous academic standards, campus involvement, leadership development, civic engagement, and career readiness. The scholarship currently offers $5,500 annually, yet the program's true value exceeds this monetary amount.

Goals and Outcomes

Academic Excellence & Leadership

Develop exemplary leaders who demonstrate academic excellence while actively contributing to campus and community life through sustained engagement and service.

• Students will demonstrate sustained academic achievement by maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher throughout their participation in the program.
• Students will demonstrate leadership effectiveness through active participation in campus organizations and assumption of leadership roles.
• Students will contribute to community well-being through sustained service activities, completing a minimum of 10 hours of community service per semester.

Career Readiness

Foster comprehensive career readiness through integrated experiential learning opportunities that enhance students' professional competencies and prepare them for post-graduation success.

• Students will demonstrate the ability to identify, analyze, and solve complex problems using evidence-based reasoning and innovative approaches.
• Students will communicate clearly and persuasively across a wide range of audiences and formats, both orally and in writing.
• Students will work effectively within teams, demonstrating cooperation, respect, and shared accountability for outcomes.
• Students will demonstrate self-awareness of strengths, areas for growth, and career goals while actively pursuing professional development opportunities.
• Students will exhibit professional behavior, ethical decision-making, and commitment to excellence in all program activities while adhering to the Student Code of Rights and Responsibilities and setting an example through the highest standards of conduct.
• Students will demonstrate effective use of technology tools to enhance learning, communication, and problem-solving.

Civic Engagement

Cultivate civic-minded graduates who understand their responsibility to contribute to community well-being and social progress through ethical leadership and service.

• Students will demonstrate understanding and appreciation of different perspectives, cultures, and backgrounds while working effectively across differences.
• By program completion, students will synthesize their experiences across academic, leadership, service, and professional development domains to articulate their growth and future goals.

Whether you are a current Emerging Leader, prospective student, or family member of either, please use the tabs on the left side of this page to find the most helpful information. A comprehensive overview of all requirements is outlined on the Current EL Information webpage.

The Emerging Leaders application for Fall 2026 freshmen will open in November 2025 and is due on February 1, 2026. Qualified candidates will be invited to interview for the program during the third week of February 2026, and an official date will be determined.

After reviewing the available information, contact us at 901.678.2357 or rfahey@memphis.edu if you have additional questions about the Emerging Leaders program.