Cory Harlan Named LEAD Champion at William Woods University

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Cory Harlan

FULTON, MO (05/09/2011)(readMedia)-- Cory Harlan of Wellsville, Mo., is a two-time LEAD champion at William Woods University. He was named at the university's recent co-curricular honors banquet.

He earned the award by attending enough LEAD events to earn him more points than any other student. Students in the LEAD program are only required to complete 45 points; this year he completed 89. A criminal justice major, Harlan is the son of Frances and Willie Harlan of Wellsville.

LEAD (Leading, Educating, Achieving and Developing) is an innovative program developed by William Woods University. It is intended to encourage and reward campus and community involvement that contributes to a complete, well-rounded liberal arts background.

The program has the added advantage of bringing an education at William Woods within reach of all students. Student participation each year runs higher than 90 percent.

LEAD is designed to expand students' interests and enrich their university experience. It is as simple as signing up-and showing up. At this school in mid-Missouri, students enthusiastically attend lectures, art openings, horse shows, theatre productions, leadership workshops and athletic contests, thanks to the incentive of LEAD.

Students who reside on campus receive $5,000, and students who commute receive $2,500. The LEAD program is available to any student, regardless of financial need, who agrees to make the commitment to campus and community involvement.

The commitment is simple. Students are required to accumulate a total of 45 points for the year and at least four points a month along the way. Sponsors of various events scan the students' ID cards, crediting them with attendance, and students can monitor their progress on-line.

LEAD received both national and international media attention when it was first announced in 2000. The program was reported in numerous newspapers, including the Los Angeles Times, the Christian Science Monitor and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. In addition, National Public Radio, the BBC in London and ABC in Melbourne, Australia, covered it.