Mar 28, 2024  
2018-2019 Undergraduate Bulletin 
    
2018-2019 Undergraduate Bulletin [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

President’s Emerging Leaders Program (PELP)


Program Overview

Students who are admitted into the President’s Emerging Leaders Program (PELP) have, by the time of their application to Austin Peay State University, already demonstrated significant achievements as leaders and scholars.  Once they arrive on campus, PELP students continue to develop their leadership skills in a rigorous academic environment.

PELP students prepare for leadership roles related to their academic interests and career aspirations through a combination of leadership courses, community and service learning projects, mentoring experiences, academic presentations, and other activities.  PELP students receive a yearly scholarship of $3,000 that is renewable over a four-year period provided that specific program requirements are met.

The President’s Emerging Leaders Program is housed in the Honors Commons Building, a space it shares with Austin Peay’s Honors Program.  The PELP director’s office is located there in Room 102F.

Eligibility Requirements

High-school students are accepted into the program based on the following qualifications:

  1. Minimum high school GPA of 3.50;
  2. Minimum ACT of 26;
  3. Evidence of participation in high-school and community activities;
  4. Evidence of leadership and service throughout the high-school experience; and,
  5. Two references, including at least one from a high-school official (principal, counselor, teacher, etc.).

Requirements for Students Accepted into PELP


A. Students must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours each semester and must maintain a 3.50 overall (institutional) GPA. 

B. Upper-class PELP students must serve as mentors to entering PELP freshmen. 

C. During students’ time in PELP, freshmen must complete 30 hours of service, sophomores 30 hours of service, and juniors 30 service hours in activities and projects approved by the director. 

D. During the academic year, PELP students are required to attend program meetings with community or campus leaders as announced by the PELP director. 

E. Students are required to take the following courses during their four years in the President’s Emerging Leaders Program:

Fall of Year 1


Fall of Year 2


Additional Information


PELP Students are encouraged to participate in one or more study-abroad experiences. Students enrolled in LDEV 3200 will have a unique opportunity to complete a service-learning project in Trinidad and Tobago during spring break.

PELP Students are strongly encouraged to join the Honors Program at Austin Peay State University.

For more information about the President’s Emerging Leaders Program, contact the director, Dr. Matthew Kenney, by e-mail at kenneym@apsu.edu or by telephone at 931.221.6398. The PELP website is http://www.apsu.edu/pelp.