Southeast Missouri State University’s Director of Regional Campuses Shan Howard has been selected to participate in the prestigious Leadership Missouri program, a leadership skills training program in collaboration with the Missouri Chamber of Commerce. Howard is one of 26 participants in this year’s cohort. Leadership Missouri is designed to develop and enhance the leadership skills of professionals across the state by providing them with workforce development programs and other unique opportunities to engage with community and business leaders and address key state issues.
The Leadership Missouri program, hosted by the Missouri Chamber of Commerce, aims to inspire an elite group of leaders to drive positive change in their communities and throughout the state. Howard has been actively involved in meetings with various chambers of commerce, as well as CEOs and presidents from companies across Missouri.
One of the program’s key components is a capstone project, where participants collaborate to tackle a state problem. Howard looks forward to the final sessions, including a visit to Jefferson City, and anticipates leveraging the insights gained to make a significant impact in her role at SEMO and in the broader community.
“The Leadership Missouri program has been an invigorating and insightful experience, offering substantial professional and leadership development,” said Howard. “I am excited about the opportunity to continue collaborating with my cohort to address key state issues, such as public safety, high-tech industry support, workforce challenges, and mental health and substance abuse.”
Howard values how the program has facilitated meaningful professional connections and strengthened her understanding of Missouri’s diverse regions as a transplant from Illinois. Specifically, she is excited to understand the dynamics of the Bootheel region, where she has both personal and professional investments, and is eager to improve the quality of life and create workforce development programs for both Southeast Missouri and Missouri as a whole.
“This leadership skills training has provided significant professional and leadership development,” said Howard. “I seek to hone my leadership skills to contribute to addressing the state’s needs and improve the living experience for fellow Missourians.”