Hundreds of Student Leaders Attend USULC

As COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted due to Utah’s low case counts and increasing vaccination rates, Utah State University was proud to host the 2021 Utah State University Leadership Conference (USULC) in-person — one of the first events of its size in more than a year.

“We've done this program for years and years, but I felt like it took it up a notch because these students have missed out on so much,” said Katie Jo North, director of USU’s Office of Admissions. “We have had so many events that have been either virtual or had so many restrictions. To have this one, like we've had in the past, was a long-awaited glimpse of what’s in store for the future, both for USU and these high school students.”

Nearly 1,000 students and 115 advisors from 45 high schools in Utah and Idaho attended USULC and filled campus with their excitement and enthusiasm to resume in-person events and learn more about how to become better leaders. Admissions held two sessions — June 7-9 and June 14-16 — to ensure every student who wanted to take advantage of the conference had the opportunity to workshop and practice new skills.

Ranging from ninth through 12th grade, the student body and class officers came from as far as Snow Canyon High School in St. George to Soda Springs High School in Idaho to attend.

USULC’s four-day event taught these students leadership and personal development skills through workshops covering topics like leading with vulnerability, social media content and event planning, and tips to inspire communities in and out of school.

In addition to attending lectures from USU Alumni, the students were able to meet and connect with current USU ambassadors, recruiters, and other student leaders as they participated in fun activities like the ropes course, holding game nights and skits and enjoyed USU’s famous Aggie Ice Cream.

“These students start to fall in love with Utah State,” North said. “We see the students then go back to their school and show off their USU gear, and it begins the process where we then see those students come up to Utah State and get involved. We see them apply for our ambassador program, and A-team and USUSA positions.”