Shucker Fellows
An initiative of the Shucker Center for Leadership Development, the Shucker Fellows Program is a two-year, application-based engaged learning experience designed to help first and second-year students:
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Grow the leadership skills and attitudes in demand by today’s employers -
Feel confident in their ability to be change-makers at Furman and beyond
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Cultivate relationships necessary for growth and development as emerging leaders
In keeping with the Furman Advantage, the Shucker Fellows Program strives to give our fellows high-impact experiences and opportunities to engage with the Furman and greater Greenville communities.
Former Shucker student share their experience in the program
Thinking about becoming a Shucker Fellow?
The mission of the Shucker Fellows Program is to direct first-year and sophomore Fellows on a path that allows them to be catalysts for change at Furman, in the Greenville community, and as alumni. We do this by encouraging and empowering students to explore the passions, strengths, and values that make them unique; experience personal, professional, and team-based contexts for leadership development.
New Fellows (First Year)
Each year, about 20-30 new students are selected to be Shucker Leadership Fellows. During the first year, New Fellows participate in interactive weekly sessions as a cohort. Each week’s session focuses on a different key principle of exemplary leadership and there are opportunities for reflection, engaging discussion, and time to practice with one another. The first year focuses primarily on helping students uncover who they are as leaders and how that knowledge can be leveraged in group and team settings.
Our New Fellows meet on Wednesday evenings from 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Sophomore Fellows (Second Year)
During their first semester of their second year, Sophomore Fellows continue to develop their skills as they learn about leadership on the societal or community level through continued weekly sessions. In their second semester, Fellows have an opportunity to integrate their Shucker experiences and individual passions into a Leadership Capstone Project. Through this project, they will work to identify and solve a problem within the Furman or Greenville communities.
Our Sophomore Fellows meet on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Meet the Fellows
Our program is prestigious with a competitive application process.
Thank you for your interest in the Shucker Fellows Program!
As you consider applying for the program, we ask that you keep the following details in mind:
Qualifications:
- You must be an incoming Furman University undergraduate student (i.e. First-Year student or Transfer Sophomore) of any major
- Students must be available for a weekly meeting ranging from 1-2 hours a week, plus additional sporadic programming events throughout the semester
- You must submit a digital application
Preferred qualifications:
- Interest in leadership development, personal growth, and making a difference in surrounding communities
- Desire to foster relationships with fellow students, staff, community partners, and alumni alike
Following application submission, you will be contacted regarding our required two-part interview process which will take place within the first few weeks of the semester. The first part is a Round-Robin style interview, where applicants are asked questions at nine different tables. The second part is a Group interview in which applicants work together to answer a scenario and come up with a plan to address it. Interviews take place in-person and candidates will be interviewed by current and former Shucker Fellows as well as the program advisor. Attire is business casual.
Class of 2030, click here to apply to be a Shucker Fellow!
Program Benefits
- Funded Capstone Projects: Receive financial support to design and implement a meaningful, student-led initiative.
- Campus Leadership Network: Join a vibrant community of student leaders and changemakers across campus.
- CliftonStrengths Development: Deepen your understanding of your unique strengths and how to apply them effectively.
- The Leadership Challenge® Framework: Engage in an in-depth exploration of this evidence-based leadership model.
- Self-Awareness & Personal Growth: Build insight into your values, motivations, and leadership identity.
- Interview & Career Preparation: Gain practical tools and coaching to confidently articulate your leadership experiences.
- Interactive Learning: Participate in dynamic workshops, simulations, and real-world leadership scenarios.
- Leadership in Action: Apply your learning through hands-on experiences and reflective practice.
- Leadership Style Exploration: Discover and refine your personal leadership approach.
- Community & Mentorship: Build meaningful 1:1 connections with peers, mentors, and campus partners.
- Engaged Learning Recognition: The capstone project qualifies as an official Engaged Learning Experience.
Former Shucker student share their experience in the program
Meet Our Fellows
Shucker Fellows are ambitious young leaders that distinguish themselves in whatever they do.
Leadership Team
The Shucker Fellows Program Leadership Team is comprised of past and current Shucker Fellows who work alongside faculty and staff to facilitate the Shucker Fellows experience. These students serve as paraprofessional employees in the Shucker Center, gaining valuable skills including event planning, curriculum development, facilitation, teamwork, and more.
Mary Kathryn Lancaster
Mia Mantovani
Libby Adams
Presley Damiano
Addison Royal
Alexandra Gray
Brandon Benkler-Iglewicz
New Fellows
As new members of the Shucker Fellows Program, our fellows participate in activities that build confidence and boost self-awareness.
Bryson Amick
Grayson Auger
Anna Kate Bailey
Bella Barnay
Santiago Bonilla
Lauren Braico
Luke Brownlee
Mary Collins
Avery Columbus
Taylor Deitzel
Daniela Sofia Galeana Gaspar
James Garland
Cate Hata
Hudson Hazelwood
Annmarie Henderson
Hartley Heuchan
Hamilton Howard
Lily Ivanov
Jewel McGee
Rika Parui
Braelyn Pearl
Taylor Pollino
Lizzy Thurow
Suraiya Toni
Ella Grace Wesseldyk
Max Willmuth
Sophomore Fellows
As second-year members of the Shucker Fellows Program, our fellows participate in a variety of activities that enhance their leadership development.
Brandon Benkler-Iglewicz
Grace Bernard
Emily Bernier
Sastika Bhandari
Hobbs Chambers
Caroline Earnshaw
Grace Finkel
Jake Gary
Alexandra Gray
Sara Beth Harbin
Jackson Hinson
Zachary LaComb
Tanushree Madhavaraj
Sarah Major
Eleanor McGuirt
Brantley Metcalf
Jacob Mijalli
Leila Quattlebaum
Charlotte Richter
Addison Royal
Ellie Simpson
John Sinnot
Dimitriana Tsiali
Max Weckel
Joe Womack
Contact
Have any questions? You can find us on Instagram at @ShuckeratFurman, or click the button below to send us an email.