Kimmel Belonging and Engagement Hub

Leadership Programs

The Kimmel Belonging and Engagement Hub is proud to offer a variety of Leadership Programs here at SIUE. The Kimmel Belonging and Engagement Hub believes leadership is a set of skills, behaviors, and attitudes held by those who make a difference in the world around them. Whether you are just starting to get involved on campus or are a well-established leader, we have programs to help you better understand yourself and work well with others. Skills gained from these experiences will be invaluable in the workplace, in community involvement, and in working with others. For more information about Leadership Programs, please get in touch with Cordell Billups at cbillup@siue.edu.

ADEI Leadership Certificate 

• The Leading for Antiracism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leadership Certificate actively engages students in deepening their knowledge and understanding of diverse perspectives, histories, and voices. Participants will learn how patterns of perception, logic, thought, speech, behavior, and organizational structures influence racial equity in America and globally. Successful completion of the Certificate requires 40 hours of engagement and professional development. The self-paced training and assessments can be completed before graduation, giving you control over your learning journey.

  • NEW Pathway: Sustained Dialogue
    • A new ADEI Leadership Certificate pathways are here! Sustained Dialogue builds skills for meaningful conversations across differences. The new pathway offers focused learning for students eager to make a lasting impact in these vital areas.

• Criteria: 10 Hours of Self-Paced Assignments; 30 Hours of Events & Activities

• Signing up is easy; go to an ADEI-sponsored event! Sign up today!  

Emerging Leaders 

• Emerging Leaders is a four-week, cohort-based program for first- and second-year students to explore leadership styles, build communication skills, and create inclusive communities. You'll connect with peers, gain practical leadership tools, and walk away with four (4) credits toward the ADEI Leadership Certificate, a resume boost, and the confidence to lead now and in the future.

• Criteria: Emerging Leaders is open to all first or second-year students. Students will meet once a week for an hour. 

• Fall 2025 Program Dates: October 23, October 30, November 6, and November 13

• Check back in the spring for our next cohort!

Emerging Leaders Total Session (ELTE)  

• The Emerging Leaders Total Experience is a two-day inclusive leadership experience focusing on identity, communication, empathy, humility, power dynamics, and equity-centered community design. Through activities, discussions, and cohort connections, you'll develop inclusive leadership skills you can apply in student organizations, workplaces, and beyond. ELTE is ideal for students ready to deepen their leadership impact. By participating in the program, students will earn six (6) hours towards the ADEI Leadership Certificate!

• Fall 2025 Program Dates: November 15th & 16th

• Criteria: ELTE is open to all undergraduate students interested in strengthening their inclusive leadership skills. 

• Application opens on October 20th! Check back soon to apply!

Equity Lab

• The Equity Lab is an 8–10 week program for students who have completed leadership or ADEI coursework and want to apply their skills. In interdisciplinary teams, you'll partner with community organizations on equity-centered projects and create a tangible deliverable, such as a policy brief or campaign plan. You'll gain hands-on experience in power analysis, collective impact, and sustainable change. 

• Criteria: The Equity Lab is open to third and fourth-year+ undergraduates or graduate students interested in pairing with a community partner to complete a capstone project. 

• Coming Spring 2026! Check back for info to Get Involved! 

Leadership Workshops

• Our leadership workshops are interactive, skill-building sessions on communication, inclusive leadership, allyship, and more. Topics include Cultivating Inclusive Leadership, Unpacking Implicit Bias and Microaggressions, Communication as Leadership, and Building Belonging through Allyship. Whether you're starting your leadership journey or strengthening existing skills, these flexible sessions help you lead with confidence and purpose.

• Criteria: Our leadership workshops are open to all undergraduate or graduate students. 

• Check here for upcoming events! 

Rotary Student Leader of the Month

• Through partnership with the Edwardsville Rotary Club, each month we recognize exceptional student leaders through the Rotary Student Leader of the Month program. Current SIUE students can be nominated by fellow students, faculty, and staff. Nominated students should have demonstrated:

  • Meaningful contributions to campus or community leadership
  • A demonstrated commitment to service and engagement
  • Personal growth, initiative and inclusivity in their leadership approach
• Nominated students will be considered for monthly recognition. If selected, they will: 
  • Attend a recognition luncheon with the Edwardsville Rotary Club
  • Be highlighted across campus platforms and through the Rotary Network

• Submit your nominations on GetInvolved by the 5th of each month.

Resources and Training

Are you interested in partnering with the Kimmel Belonging and Engagement Hub for a specific training topic/theme? We are happy to offer preset and bespoke training. Request a training consultation with our Associate Director for Empathy, Humility, and Action, Cordell Billups at cbillup@siue.edu.