The President's Leadership Class (PLC) is a first-year leadership development program at Texas State University. PLC will develop extraordinary leaders who apply their unique approach to leadership throughout their lives, academic fields, professions, and communities.
The President’s Leadership Class is a selective leadership program for first-year students entering Texas State University. Scholars will be hand-selected to participate in the President’s Leadership Class and given the opportunity to develop leadership skills and prepare for leadership roles on campus at Texas State University. PLCers will have the opportunity to interact with many of the university’s and state’s most influential and creative individuals.
PLC meets weekly for leadership sessions that provide opportunities for participants to interact and to learn from influential guest speakers — including community and campus leaders, athletics coaches, business executives, and political officeholders. PLC is a yearlong workshop series where students discover and explore their strengths, develop authentic leadership, and learn how to lead with others.
Students will complete the President’s Leadership Class through a cohort-style model, meeting weekly throughout the fall and spring semesters.
Fall Seminar:
5 p.m.: PLC Dinner – On-Campus Dining
6–7 p.m.: PLC Weekly Seminar
Spring Seminar:
5:30-6:30 p.m.: PLC Weekly Seminar
PLC helps prepare Bobcats to be leaders on the TXST campus, as well as in their careers and community post-graduation. At the end of their sophomore year, participants will be invited to join in a two-week study abroad trip, with PLC covering a significant portion of the cost.
The President’s Leadership Class is not a scholarship, but students receive a $750 award upon successfully participating in and completing each semester ($1,500 total during their first year).
“Good leadership is contagious. Through PLC, we give students the inspiration and tools to build lifelong leadership skills that will not only serve them well but help them serve others," said TXST President Kelly Damphousse. "Ultimately, we hope participants have a life-changing experience at TXST and continue to grow and inspire more leaders as they move through their lives and careers."
"Since being a part of PLC, I have been given the opportunity to network and connect with individuals who share the same drive, goals, and passion for leading as I do!
In PLC, I feel that everyone’s voices are heard, and I love how open the environment is! I’ve learned about the importance of using resources, understanding myself and my peer’s perceptions, and being open to explore new possibilities."
- Hannah Williams, San Marcos, TX
Jack Martin is an entrepreneur, rancher, and globally recognized strategic thought leader. He is best known for his behind-the-scenes advice to C-suite executives, navigating them through their most challenging communications and corporate issues. Some of the world's largest companies have sought Jack's counsel for decades, leading strategic crisis communications, forging mergers and acquisitions strategies, and successfully defusing hostile takeover attempts.
Jack founded Public Strategies Incorporated (PSI), which grew into one of the world's most successful corporate advisory firms. Under Jack's leadership, PSI helped shape the business climate in Texas and later globally as an advisor to CEOs and board members.
We are grateful for Jack's support of the Inaugural President's Leadership Class. He is a supporter of education for students and this year's class is excited to be part of the inaugural class of Jack Martin President's Leadership Class Scholars.