Lott Institute Shapes Future Leaders, Citizens at Ole Miss

The university launched the Trent Lott Leadership Institute in 1999. It is dedicated to exposing students to the fundamentals of ethics, leadership and government at the local, state and national levels.

The institute's programs have drawn broad interest, with students attending Lott summer offerings beginning the summer before ninth grade and continuing throughout their high school careers.

"High school students from all over want to come to Mississippi, to the flagship, to the Lott Institute, for education and leadership to not only learn about local, state, federal government, but also to be more informed citizens when they hit the ballot box," said Melissa Jones, the institute's associate director.

"They're better humans, they're better leaders, they're civically engaged."

This summer, 36 rising seniors from 11 states, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands gathered to live and learn for four weeks on the Ole Miss campus. They took college courses in political science, leadership and ethics.

Students completed five case studies of real-world ethical dilemmas ranging from environmental issues to social media to health care. Working in groups, the young leaders decided the best way to resolve the situations using what they learned in class.

They considered such factors as the values and stakeholders involved and presented their solutions in the program's Leader to Leader Luncheon.

The culminating experience was a weeklong trip to Washington, D.C., where they had opportunities to put their communication skills and newfound knowledge to work in meetings with alumni who serve Congress, as lobbyists, as industry leaders and as White House staff members.

Kelcie Byars, a senior at DeSoto Central High School, said the experience has made her a more confident speaker. She also is more open to new opinions and better informed on politics.

Reese Womack, also from DeSoto Central High School, agreed.

"It was really interesting having a political science class and to dive more into my leadership skills and learn more about what guides me morally and what values I adhere to in certain situations," Womack said.

Hershey, Pennsylvania, native Annie Chen said the program changed her perception on a lot of things.

"I've grown a lot through this month," she said. "I've heard from so many amazing speakers, people who have completely different perspectives than me.

"I think my understanding of the world has really grown and expanded because I've been able to meet with so many people, both adults and students."

While the seniors focused on leadership and ethics, 49 rising ninth graders from Mississippi, Florida, Tennessee and Virginia learned the intricacies of local and state government in addition to leadership theories.

John Warren McKay, from Pisgah High School in Brandon, chose to participate in the program to enhance his social skills, understanding of government and leadership abilities that he plans to take back to use as drum major for his high school band.

"I came into this program with a limited understanding of leadership principles and the relationship between local and state governments," he said. "I leave with what I classify as an advanced understanding.

"My band director instructed me to learn as much as possible about leadership. I have succeeded."

Besides learning and practicing leadership skills, participants learned about different aspects and positions in local and state governments. On a field trip to Grenada County, they met several city and county officials and learned about their work.

A canoe outing at Lee Tartt Nature Preserve helped provide some real-world perspective.

Madilyn "Lou" Williams, from Sacred Heart Catholic School in Hattiesburg, said the field trip was her favorite experience.

"It all came together when the speakers told us about their jobs, if they are appointed or elected, and the different kinds of systems they have," Williams said.

 "At the nature preserve, we got to see how policies play into real life. The field trip was basically putting all the puzzle pieces together to create the big picture."

The incoming high school freshmen heard from policy experts in the areas of criminal justice, education, health care and environment. They also were charged with drafting their own legislation in these policy areas.

The young lawmakers then competed for the inaugural Capitol Cup trophy, presenting their proposed legislation to a mock joint legislative session following proper parliamentary procedures. Mississippi Sen. Nicole Boyd and Rep. Clay Deweese determined the trophy winner through critiquing the bills and giving insight on their own experiences in the state Capitol.

"Lott Leadership Institute does a wonderful job in getting young people involved in politics and learning the role politics plays in their lives," Deweese said.

Students learning these roles and skills will ultimately lead to increased engagement and the betterment in their communities, said Katelin Hayward Traylor, the institute's program manager.

"To make change in Mississippi and elsewhere, we've got to educate our students of all the pieces of government to allow them to offer viable solutions," she said.

Top: During the Trent Lott Leadership Institute summer programs for rising high school freshmen and seniors, students take a closer look at government, leadership and policy. The residential program provides students with a glimpse of college life in addition to experiential learning. Photo illustration by Stefanie Goodwiller/University Marketing and Communications