Westmont Leadership Development Program Campus Life
Leadership is a relationship that involves inspiring change and transformation.
WLDP invests in first-year students who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to ongoing learning. The program launches with a day-long learning retreat. In the weeks that follow cohort groups meet with an advisor as they engage in a campus case study scenario that unfolds week by week. Students will collaboratively and creatively address the case study challenges in their cohort groups using the four frames of leadership model. They will present their case and their response in a concluding presentation showcase. Applicants must be nominated by a Westmont employee to apply. Applications do not guarantee participation in the program, as we aim to create a well-balanced and diverse cohort.
Over the course of the program, participants will:
Create a collaborative learning community
Explore key characteristics of Christian Leadership
Learn about the four frames of leadership and how each frame contributes to God’s
Kingdom purposes
Gain practical skills & confidence to serve as a leader on campus or in your communities.
WLDP Dates 2027
- Applications for WLDP are due November 23rd, 2026
- Applicants will be notified if they are selected by December 7th, 2026
- The Cohort will launch in January 2027
- Leadership Development Retreat Day: Saturday, January 23 9:30am - 4pm
- Weekly Trainings: Friday 1/29, 2/5, 2/19 3:30-4:45pm
- Presentation Showcase: Friday 2/26 3:30-4:45pm
WLDP Expectations
Your presence is required at the following events and trainings. Please mark these dates on your calendars now and make necessary arrangements to be available for these important sessions. I agree to attend the following sessions:
- Leadership Development Retreat Day: Saturday, January 23 9:30am - 4pm
- Weekly Trainings: Friday 1/29, 2/5, 2/19 3:30-4:45pm
- Presentation Showcase: Friday 2/26 3:30-4:45pm
- I agree to participate in weekly sessions by engaging in open and respectful dialogue and coming with a desire to listen and learn
- I agree to respond to correspondences (e-mails, texts, etc.) in a timely fashion (within 24 hrs.)
- Students selected for WLDP will generally be viewed as leaders by their peers. For that reason, students are expected to choose behaviors consistent with those outlined in Westmont’s community life statement. If a participant violates the community life statement or Westmont's behavioral expectations, there will be a conversation between the student and the program coordinator to discuss the situation and determine whether the student should be permitted to continue to participate in WLDP
- For example, as outlined in the community life standards I will:
- Choose to embrace God-honoring diversity
- Choose sexual purity, modesty and celibacy outside of a marriage covenant
- Choose to abstain from the use of alcohol & illegal drugs
- Meet the chapel attendance requirement
WLDP Application
Apply on the portal under "forms and applications" then "common leadership application" and select WLDP.
Alumni Reflections
"WLDP is a fun community building experience. Seeing my cohort friends two years later, we fondly look back at recognize the ways we have grown as leaders. WLDP was a foundational experience and I’d highly recommend to anyone who wishes to learn more about servant leadership!"
David serves as the President of the Westmont College Student Association and was the 2023 David K. Winter Award Recipient. Previously, he served as a Senator for Page Hall and Van Kampen Hall, as well as a Resident Assistant for Clark Halls.
"WLDP clarified my strengths and talents alongside a community of like-minded students! Dr. D'Amour excels in cultivating a space where everyone feels welcome to share and be challenged in their beliefs, promoting constructive conversation about complex issues. I have leaned on relationships I made through WLDP in the role of Student Body President and recommend all to be a part of this cohort of emerging leaders!"
Nash served as President of the Westmont College Student Association during the 2023-2024 academic year.