University hosting Student Leadership Series this week

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David Coleman, the 10-time National Collegiate Speaker of the Year known as the “Dating Doctor,” will be the keynote speaker for the 2014 UT LEADS Student Leadership Series going on this week at the University.

Coleman, who was the basis for the lead character in the movie “Hitch” starring Will Smith, will give advice on dating, maintaining relationships and leadership at “An Un-Plugged Session With the Dating Doctor” Tuesday, Feb. 18, from 8 to 10 p.m. in the Student Union Auditorium.

“We are really excited to have David speak this year; he connects so well with the students and always gives them beneficial advice,” Greg Smith, a graduate assistant in the Office of Health Promotions and Leadership in the Division of Student Affairs, said.

Coleman’s talk is one of a number of events that are part of the UT Leadership, Excellence, Authenticity, Development, Service Student Leadership Series taking place through Thursday, Feb. 20.

The week kicked off with a panel discussion on diverse student leadership Monday and also will include events focused on social media and volunteering.

This year the series is spread over a several days with different events and presentations tailored to specific aspects of leadership.

“We do not force these sessions on the students, and there always seems to be positive feedback. Hopefully, people can take the initiative to learn about themselves and who they are as leaders,” Smith said.

Listed by date, additional events will include:

Wednesday, Feb. 19
• “Real Talk About Leadership” with Fatima R. Pervaiz, program coordinator for the Office of Multicultural Student Development, noon to 2 p.m., Student Union Room 3018. Pervaiz will discuss authentic leadership during the interactive event.

• “Student and Alumni Mixer,” 6 to 6:45 p.m., Student Recreation Center Oak Room. The invitation-only event will serve as a networking opportunity for student leaders and members of the UT Alumni Association.

• “Pics, Pokes and Posts: Student Leaders and Social Media” with UT alumnus David Gonzalez, 6:45 to 7:45 p.m., Student Recreation Center Oak Room. Gonzalez will explore the positives and negatives of social media in today’s society and the effects on student leaders and their interactions.

Thursday, Feb. 20
• “Rockets LEADing the WAY” day of service, 2 to 5 p.m., meet at Lot 13 for directions and further details. Volunteer with Camp Courageous in Whitehouse, Ohio, United Way and other organizations.

For more information, click here or contact the Office of Student Involvement at 419.530.4944.