Four students from Lindenwood University’s College of Arts and Humanities traveled to Jefferson City in February to represent the University at the 39th annual Missouri Governor’s Student Leadership Forum (MOGSLF).
Kadence Berry, Claire Mascia, Elijah Northcutt, and Ethan King joined students from colleges and universities across the state for the prestigious event, held at the Missouri State Capitol. The forum focused on servant leadership and leading with purpose.
Students toured the State Capitol and attended keynote sessions with state officials and nonprofit leaders. The event gave students an opportunity to engage directly with professionals who brought a perspective not typically found in classrooms. Centered around vulnerability and authenticity in leadership, the forum encouraged students to work in small group sessions designed to build meaningful connections.
“Vulnerability helps build trust and allows members of the group to feel safe enough to share their own thoughts and ideas,” Berry said. Mascia added that openness among leaders creates the “strong bonds and shared respect that is imperative to leadership.”
For King, the experiences highlighted the importance of networking and understanding leadership in diverse environments. Northcutt found value in visiting the Jefferson City Correctional Center, where students gained insights into rehabilitation and restorative justice. “This forum allowed me to bring home crucial information about restorative justice and leadership inside prisons,” Northcutt said.
Opportunities like the Missouri Governor’s Student Leadership Forum allow students to learn from some of the state’s most influential figures and apply these skills alongside their peers. Through this collaboration, Lindenwood students developed the perspective and confidence to lead in their communities and future careers.