HAYS, Kan. – More than 300 leadership studies students in Xinzheng, China, recently participated in a weekend event composed of community service-learning activities for a Fort Hays State University LDRS 310: Field Work in Leadership Studies course.

In this hands-on course, students analyze an issue or problem and exercise leadership by developing and implementing a community project.

Leadership studies faculty in China adapted the LDRS 310 service project class for their students to follow as they develop their own group projects aimed at addressing social issues in their community.

The service weekend also invoked self-reflection discussions for the students through small group sharing, writing assignments, and whole-class discussions.

“This also helps FHSU strengthen its presence in the community. Most of Xinzheng has no idea what FHSU is or that we are even there,” said Dr. Jeff Bourgeois, assistant professor of leadership studies.

“By partnering with an organization, China faculty are able to get our names and faces out and help people recognize us as a contributing member of the community,” he said.

For more information about the Department of Leadership Studies, contact Allison Muth or Jackie Gottschalk at fhsuleaders@fhsu.edu or call (785) 628-4304.