Chancellor’s Leadership Development Program

An empowered community of rural and first-generation college leaders.

Program Mission & Vision

Mission: The Chancellor’s Leadership Development Program empowers first-generation and rural students to become values-based leaders, preparing them to leverage their unique experiences to serve their communities, inspire action, and drive positive change.

Vision: To create a community where empowered first-generation and rural leaders have unlocked their full potential and forge stronger, more equitable North Carolina communities.

Learn more about the program’s impact by viewing the video to the right featuring CLDP alum Keshawn Miller.

What makes CLDP unique?

Learn from Different Perspectives

CLDP brings together students across fields of study across NC State to share ideas and leadership approaches.

Join a Community

CLDP provides a safe space for rural and first-generation students to grow their leadership skills.

Build Your Network

During their time in the program, students are paired with professional, staff and peer mentors.

First-Year Program Experience

The program’s first year guides emerging leaders in identifying strengths, weaknesses, and values while exploring past experiences to enhance leadership skills. It fosters personal leadership styles, preparing students to thrive in advanced leadership opportunities. This foundational year not only equips students with an understanding of available resources but also cultivates a profound awareness of their unique leadership potential.

Second-Year Program Experience

The second year in the program builds upon the skills developed in the first year. Students will identify their vision, mission, and personal motivations to build a unique leadership portfolio. Students will use their strengths and skills to lead others and and make meaningful impacts in their community. Students apply these lessons by participating in local and national service trips as well as mentoring their first-year program peers.

Third-Year Experience

The third program year is optional and encourages students to further enhance their leadership experience by exploring their leadership on a global level. Students will learn about leading organizations, facilitating groups, and applying skills to a global context.

Third-year students complete an international service trip and serve on an advisory committee for the program.

Program Features

Students in the program will:

Learn the foundational values-based leader skills to engage within the university and their community
Create a network for professional, academic, and personal support through individualized mentoring sessions with SLC staff and external mentors directly aligned with students’ career industries and programs of study.
Engage with senior leadership at NC State and leadership throughout the Triangle.
All students receive a small scholarship each year in the program.

Leadership without boundaries.

Each year, second-year CLDP students participate in a domestic trip to complete a service project within the United States. Third-year students travel internationally each year for an immersive experience focused on global leadership.

Established in 2017

20+ Scholarships Awarded Annually

50+ Program Alumni

Program Eligibility

Must be an incoming first-year student who is a first-generation college student and/or from a rural county in NC. Find a map of NC rural counties here.

First-generation college students are any students whose parents did not complete a four-year college degree.

Program History

The Chancellor’s Leadership Development Program was founded in 2017 to bring NC State’s 14th Chancellor Randy Woodson and Susan Woodson’s passion to life. Housed in the Shelton Leadership Center, it serves as a dedicated pathway for uplifting NC State’s rural and first-generation students. Drawing from their personal experiences as rural students on college campuses, the Woodsons instilled a legacy of community and support within the program.

Interested in becoming a CLDP student?

Check back on this webpage for future details on how to apply.

Meet our current cohort of CLDP students

Follow their leadership journeys. We’re excited to introduce you to our current cohorts of CLDP students and alumni. You’ll also find more information on the leadership skills, perspectives, and experience in their leadership portfolios.

Student Profiles Coming Soon.

Have questions about CLDP?

Reach out to CLDP Program Director Dr. La’Toya Cesar or our Graduate Assistant for College Programs Shyheim Stafford.

La'Toya Cesar

Assistant Director for College Programs

ldreed@ncsu.edu

Shyheim Stafford

Graduate Assistant for College Programs

sstaffo@ncsu.edu

October 17, 2025

Rooted in Service: A Weekend with the Chancellor Leadership Development Program

Students in the Shelton Leadership Center’s Chancellor Leadership Development Program recently participated in a service trip to strengthen their community building skills and servant leadership abilities. CLDP partnered with the…

April 30, 2024

Shelton Leadership Center Celebrates 2023-24 Students and Graduates

As the 2023-24 academic term comes to a close, the Shelton Leadership Center (SLC) celebrates the achievements of students across each of the center’s programs and academics. Over 75 SLC-affiliated…

February 08, 2024

CLDP Student Harper Martin, team receives Social Responsibility Award at 2024 Make-A-Thon

At the end of January, first-year Chancellor’s Leadership Development Program student Harper Martin and his team received the Best Integration of Social Responsibility Award at the 2024 Make-A-Thon. Make-A-Thon is NC State’s three-day…