“Authority can be delegated but responsibility can’t,” says Anthony Taylor in his new role as assistant director for student engagement.

A 20-year veteran of the U.S. Army, Taylor uses this approach to help students develop leadership skills that are compatible with the university’s RISES values.

In February, he took 12 students to a conference on inclusive leadership and hosted an on-campus speaker who addressed personal branding and digital leadership.

The conference, sponsored by CampusPhilly and hosted at Temple University, offered breakout sessions, keynotes, community events, and games – all focused on authentic leadership and belonging. Students were able to network with professionals and their peers from other Philadelphia colleges and universities.

According to Taylor, most of the 12 were first-year students in the Neumann Leadership Scholars program, a club that functions as part of the SGA. The program now has 30 members and meets every other week.

"I really enjoyed attending and being surrounded by other student leaders like me who are passionate about making a difference on their campuses," said Danielle Dinafo, a sophomore who is studying cybersecurity and digital forensics

Health sciences major Katelyn Baier agreed, describing the conference as “insightful, inspiring, and motivating.”

The campus speaker was Dr. Eric Frans, a leadership development professional with extensive experience in higher education, career development, talent acquisition, and executive search.

In meetings with the athletics staff, student-athletes and leadership scholars, he discussed personal branding, digital leadership on social media platforms, and the NCAA's Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) compensation policy.

“I recognize how leadership can help students,” Taylor concludes. He believes that programs like these support students’ personal and professional development.

He organizes four events per semester and supervises leadership workshops eight times per semester.

“The work is worth it,” he says, “because students are eager to participate.”