Leadership is not about title or organizational position it is about influence and everyone has influence. Realizing we are people of influence how do we elevate our leadership? The question and challenge is how to become leaders that others want to follow and how we sustain leadership worth following. As leaders, we do not have to be perfect humans but we do need to be real humans. Humans that are fully aware and emotionally intelligent. So consider this: positioned where you are, at this moment, do you radiate purpose? Are you constantly seeking to bring out the best in yourself and those around you? We each have the ability to elevate ourselves if we are aware of what we as individuals can control and leverage …. ourselves.
About the keynote speaker: Dr. Stephanie Bannister, serves as an Assistant Vice President for Student Life, she joined the division of student life with housing and dining services on 2001, was selected for her current position as assistant vice president in 2017. Stephanie is the department head for Education and Personal Development home to all student life student success programs. She is responsible for the division’s committee structure, serves as the student life lead for K-State’s 2025 academic partnerships, is a faculty senator, and involved in numerous committees throughout the university. Previously, she served as Associate Director for Student Living in housing, directed two residence halls at the University of Kansas, and traveled nationwide as a consultant for Alpha Gamma Delta International Fraternity. Stephanie has a B.A. from Fort Hays State University, an M.S. in from the University of Kansas, and Ph.D. in Education from K-State. She is a Master Facilitator for the Kansas Health Foundation’s leadership initiative. Stephanie serves as a consultant for higher education and non-profit agencies on a range of topics from strategic planning, vision setting, to community building and leadership. Stephanie enjoys teaching in the Staley School of Leadership, College of Education and is active in the greater Manhattan community.
