Student leadership

College can be a transformative time for students -- and not just academically. For some, the opportunities can help them develop as leaders. That was the case recently for two Southeast Missouri natives.

Meg Goodman of Cape Girardeau is attending Southwest Baptist University. Scott City native Kris Cook attends Missouri Baptist University. Both participated earlier this month in the 26th annual Missouri Governor's Student Leadership Forum in Jefferson City, Mo. Over three days more than 65 students representing schools across the state discussed the role of faith and values in leadership.

Goodman told the Southeast Missourian that one of the speakers spoke about not being prideful and understanding that problems will come. Cook said servant leadership was one concept addressed during the forum.

Two Southeast Missouri State University students, Kevin Magnan and Jerrid Snyder, were also nominated to attend the forum.

Faith and values should play a key role for leaders and serve as guiding principles. While there are many qualities to a good leader, having a servant's heart is key. These students appeared to pick up on the concepts and will be all the better leaders as a result.

We commend all the students who participated in the forum and the many others who also seek to become better leaders on campus, at work and in their communities.