Other Leadership Development Opportunities

 

SMU Taos Leadership Institute

In the beautiful mountains of Northern New Mexico, take one 3-credit hour academic course in a cohort-based retreat focused on holistic leadership development. Students will build essential skills including team-building, critical thinking, and creativity & innovation.

Learn More and Apply

Scholarship Opportunities

The Caroline M. Jones Scholarship, offered by the SMU Staff Association, provides financial support to students who demonstrate academic achievement, campus involvement, and a commitment to the SMU community. This scholarship honors the legacy of Caroline M. Jones and recognizes students who exemplify leadership, service, and personal growth. Visit the Caroline M. Jones Scholarship webpage for eligibility requirements, application details, and deadlines.

Learn About the Scholarship

The Hunt Leadership Scholars Program is a selective leadership development opportunity for incoming first-year students who demonstrate strong academic achievement, leadership potential, and a commitment to making a positive impact. Scholars participate in leadership development experiences, mentoring, service opportunities, retreats, and a close-knit community designed to help them grow as leaders throughout their time at SMU. Please note that this opportunity is available only to incoming first-year students and applications must be submitted prior to enrolling at SMU. Students interested in the program should review application requirements and timelines on the Hunt Leadership Scholars website before beginning their SMU experience.

Explore the Hunt Scholars Program

The Pi Beta Phi Foundation Scholarship provides tuition assistance to full-time undergraduate students who demonstrate academic achievement, financial need, and a strong record of involvement and leadership. Eligible applicants must be female SMU students who are not affiliated with a Greek organization, are enrolled full-time, and are studying on campus. Scholarship awards may be as high as $10,000 and are based on factors such as academic performance, financial need, campus and community involvement, leadership experiences, and work experience. Students interested in applying for the next scholarship cycle should reach out to Jennifer Hazlewood Cronin (jennifer@cheerleading.com) in Spring 2027 for application information and timelines.

Each semester, SMU Student Senate offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for students, including the Nate Crain Leadership Scholarship. Be sure to visit the Student Senate SMU360 page to learn about available scholarships, eligibility requirements, and application deadlines.

cute cartoon animal sitting on a stack of books above the words readers are leaders

Recommended leadership books for SMU students

Here are some leadership-focused books recommended by SMU Leadership Programs for students interested in personal growth, self-discovery, and leadership development. Whether you're just beginning your leadership journey or looking to deepen your skills, these books offer valuable insights and practical lessons that can help you lead more effectively at SMU and beyond.
Looking for a fun way to find your next read? SMU Leadership Programs hosts a Blind Date with a Leadership Book each semester, where students can discover new leadership books and enjoy a free surprise read. Visit our Monthly Events page (link to that page) to learn more about upcoming events and our next Blind Date with a Leadership Book!”

 

  • Atomic Habits by James Clear
  • Dare to Lead by Brene Brown
  • Start with Why by Simon Sinek
  • Driven by Susie Wolff
  • What We Value by Emily Falk
  • The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
  • Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek 
  • The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins 
  • March by John Lewis
  • Seven Tenths of a Second by Zak Brown
  • Strong Ground by Brene Brown
  • Turn the Ship Around! by L. David Marquet


  

three students standing at table looking at books covered in brown craft paper
red, yellow, blue, and white books standing and leaning on each other with a drink beside them and Books and Boba in red text below
three students posing for photo with with books and drink in hand

Join us for Books & Boba, a unique opportunity to invest in your personal and leadership development while enjoying a free boba tea. At this event, students participate in a Blind Date with a Leadership Book, selecting a wrapped book based only on a few clues about its themes and lessons.

Our collection includes a wide variety of books, including leadership and personal development titles, fiction, memoirs, journals, and other thought-provoking reads designed to encourage reflection, growth, and new perspectives. Whether you're exploring leadership for the first time or looking to deepen your understanding of yourself and others, you'll leave with a new book, new ideas, and inspiration for your next chapter of growth.

Come discover your perfect book match, connect with fellow students, and develop as a leader one page at a time.

Recommended Leadership Podcasts

  • Dare to Lead – Brené Brown
  • The Broad Experience – Ashley Milne-Tyte
  • Coaching for Leaders – Dave Stachowiak 
  • Ted Podcasts
  • LeaderX - Kevin Kruse