Growing Leaders: MSU Applied Leadership programs advancing careers

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Brian Lesley credits ��Ƶ’s new Applied Leadership courses with equipping him to take the next step in his career.

Launched this past summer through MSU’s College of Professional and Continuing Studies, the Applied Leadership Graduate Certificate is a fully online, four-course program designed to prepare professionals for leadership roles across military, nonprofit, faith-based, athletic and corporate settings. The college also recently introduced a Master of Applied Science in Organizational Leadership degree.

Video by Sarah Kirk

Lesley, a senior financial advisor and vice president at Renasant Bank in Starkville, is entering a new role as regional manager for Renasant Bank, overseeing operations across Mississippi and Louisiana starting this month.

“I think I really learned how poor of a leader I was prior to completing this program,” he said. “I don’t think I would have accepted this position without this program; I wouldn’t have felt prepared. Every day when I would get through with the subject we were working on in class, I could actually apply it to work that day.”

man in jacket in front of diploma — Sean Owen (Photo by Grace Cockrell)

Sean Owen, associate dean of the College of Professional and Continuing Studies, said the strong response to the programs reflects a demand for flexible, practical leadership education.

“We’re trying to do something that actually moves the needle for people,” he said. “We need programs that are digestible, that can help our workers become the next leaders.”

Owen added that the online format allows participants from across the globe—and across industries—to learn from one another, enriching the classroom experience.

Natalie Smith, business manager II in MSU’s Bagley College of Engineering, has completed the graduate certificate and plans to earn her master’s degree this spring.

man with headphones looking at camera and crossing hands — Ivano Cunegatti of northern Italy discusses the impact of ��Ƶ’s Applied Leadership Graduate Certificate program during a Teams interview. Launched this past summer through MSU’s College of Professional and Continuing Studies, this new graduate certificate is a fully online, four-course program designed to prepare professionals for leadership roles across military, nonprofit, faith-based, athletic and corporate settings. The college also recently introduced a Master of Applied Science in Organizational Leadership degree. (OPA photo)

“I’ve been so fortunate to have amazing leaders here at ��Ƶ,” she said. “I wanted to give other employees that same great leadership that I have been given.”

Thanks to the program’s flexibility, working a full-time position and managing these virtual graduate classes have been manageable for Smith.

“It’s all online,” she said. “The biggest perk is that it’s really easy to still give my full effort to my job and still give 100% to the program.”

Across the board, CPCS students praise the program’s faculty and staff for their flexibility, support and real-world applicability.

After learning about the program on LinkedIn, Ivano Cunegatti of northern Italy enrolled to strengthen his leadership skills for his role at a consulting firm, despite English not being his native language.

“It was challenging, but not impossible,” he said. “These courses have impacted how I work. I lead up and down the chain of command, and I try to communicate in a better way, keep things simple. If you’re willing to learn and put into practice what you’ve learned, this program is very, very helpful.”

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