Students in the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Haslam College of Business Delta Sigma Pi chapter recently organized and executed the college’s first Student Leadership Conference. The one-day conference, entitled “Preparing Tomorrow’s Leaders,” featured speakers from 10 companies and was attended by approximately 70 students.
Senior economics and finance double major Darrick Fisher organized the event. As Haslam’s Delta Sigma Pi vice president, Fisher began planning more than six months ago. The Management Society, the Society for Human Resource Management and the Economics Club all contributed.
“I have attended regional leadership conferences every semester through Delta Sigma Pi and have always enjoyed it, so I wanted to hold one on campus,” Fisher said. “I knew my organization alone couldn’t plan one, so I met with the leaders of other student organizations and we decided to work together. By combining our resources with the resources UT provides, we were able to create a great professional development experience for students.”
Jackie Jacobs, senior lecturer in management, said the conference brought together Haslam students passionate about cultivating their leadership skills.
“Students had an opportunity to learn about best practices in leadership, hear speakers describe the challenges of leading in today’s dynamic and complex organizational environment, and network with Haslam Young Alumni, as well as corporate representatives,” Jacobs said. “It was unique in that it was student led. I was impressed by the size and scope of the event they organized.”
Throughout the conference, breakout sessions addressed topics such as leading with emotional intelligence, leadership in finance, starting a business and leading in human resource management.
Ed Pershing, CEO of PYA (HCB, ’74), delivered the keynote speech.
