The Greater Jackson Chamber is pleased to announce the applicants selected for its 2023-2024 Leadership University class. Leadership University is a leadership program for high school juniors designed to develop young leaders through interactive programming and its impact on a strong and dynamic community.

The program is sponsored by the Greater Jackson Chamber, Union University, University of Memphis at Lambuth, Ford Motor Company, Alan Brown State Farm and the Bank of Jackson.

The selected class members kicked off their Leadership University journey with an information session in mid-July. Led by Leadership University Chair Alan Brown and Vice-Chair Holly Dean, this session will provide valuable insights into the program and allow the participants to familiarize themselves with the exciting experiences that lie ahead. The class will embark on an enriching opening retreat at Camp Mack Morris in Camden, TN, later this month.

Lauren Saliba, Greater Jackson Chamber Leadership Development Director, expressed her enthusiasm for this year's class, stating, "To say that I'm excited about this year's class would be an understatement. We have a fantastic group of talented young people. It's going to be fun as we get to know them and witness their leadership skills grow. Leadership University does a phenomenal job of providing its students with unique perspectives on Jackson, opening doors to experiences they might not otherwise have. They will build lifelong friendships and learn leadership skills that will empower their future. Our dedicated Leadership University board works hard to create a truly fulfilling experience."

Throughout the program, class members will convene monthly for engaging sessions covering a wide range of topics. Each session will include a leadership skill-building component, equipping the participants with essential tools for their leadership journey. Esteemed leaders from various sectors, including health care, criminal justice, economic development, education and government, will share insights into the current state, challenges, and future vision within their respective areas.

This comprehensive knowledge will enable the class to gain a broader understanding of the inner workings of Jackson-Madison County and empower them to make positive impacts not only within their schools but also within the wider community.

The 2023-2024 Leadership University class includes:
Boran Aljafari , Madison Academic High School
Analiese Anderson, Jackson Christian School
Brooklen Bonds, Northside High School
Riley Bradford, Jackson Christian School
Cassie Britton, South Side High School
Eryn Coure, JCM – Early College High School
Zach Creasy, Jackson Christian School
Della Day, Madison Academic High School
Andrew Doan, Home Life Academy
Ellen Driver, University School of Jackson
Kaitlyn Ellis, Madison Academic High School
Oaklee Evans, Faith Homeschool Tutorial
Jaiden Grandberry, South Side High School
Alexi Harrison, Augustine School
Jordan Hart, Madison Academic High School
Lawson Helton, Trinity Christian Academy
Kelsey Hicks, JCM – Early College High School
KamRon Hill, Jackson Central Merry High School
Ava Jerman, University School of Jackson
Daveon Johnson, Jackson Central Merry High School
Tess Little, Jackson Christian School
Blakely Melton, Jackson Christian School
Zoe Montgomery, Jackson Christian School
Annily Nguyen, Madison Academic High School
Addyson Parks, Trinity Christian Academy
Luke Parsons, Homeschool
Tien Phan, Madison Academic Magnet High School
Vaidehi Prasad, University School of Jackson
Hendrik Proctor, Homeschool
Jane Claire Ragon, University School of Jackson
Clara Revelle, Augustine School
Henry Schiebout, Augustine School
Sarah Simmons, Trinity Christian Academy
Morgan Smith, Jackson Christian School
Emma Smith, Trinity Christian Academy
Emily Stone, Trinity Christian Academy
Paige Temple, Madison Academic High School
Lincoln Triplett, South Side High School
Dallas Weddle, South Side High School
Olivia Welch, University School of Jackson

About the Leadership University:
Leadership University is a youth leadership development program for Jackson-Madison County and is made up of a diverse group of high school juniors that demonstrates leadership potential. Started in 1999 as a team class project of Leadership Jackson, LU prepares participants to become responsible, ethical leaders that make a positive difference in others, as well as their community by creating awareness in all aspects of the community. Through interactive programming, Leadership University teaches about all aspects of our community, as well as prepares participants to be leaders in their schools and community, equipping them with skills and information to be successful.