Jason Senges, Elon University School of Law

Senges, who graduated in 2006 with a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy and minors in political science and history, is now a prospective 2013 graduate at Elon University School of Law. But his past experiences are not forgotten. In fact, Senges' dedication to service and leadership in the past has served to open doors for him in the present. Today, as a Leadership Fellow, Senges remains heavily involved in his school and the larger community.

In 2009, Elon Law established its Leadership Fellows program for students who have exhibited extraordinary leadership through public, collegiate, military, or other experiences. Applicants must show impressive academic achievement and submit an essay explaining how their leadership skills could be further cultivated and applied at Elon Law or in the practice of law and in their communities. Finalists are interviewed prior to final selections.


Leadership Fellows take on a number of responsibilities including assisting administration and faculty with the Leadership Lecture Series and taking on a Capstone project in their final year of law school. Fellows enjoy benefits such as access to scholarship awards and the chance to participate in a summer externship with a public sector organization. Course credit and a scholarship for the tuition of the externship course, as well as basic living expenses are provided.

Just last month, the Elon Law Leadership Fellows hosted a “Think Globally, Act Locally” forum for 30 Elon University undergraduate Leadership Fellows. The forum addressed social justice issues and potential solutions through the examination of those who have encouraged widespread change through local activity.

“Using the first-year winter term leadership course as a model, the fellows created a program that would allow undergraduates working with law students to think about and discuss social justice and the means to achieving large scale change on a local level,” said Senges.

The forum included an introduction by law school dean George R. Johnson, Jr. and a speech about the law school's Humanitarian Immigration Law Clinic by Heather Scavone, a clinical practitioner in residence at Elon Law. Following Scavone's speech, breakout groups were formed to discuss local methods of targeting global issues. Each group was responsible for creating a plan to promote change.

According to Senges, he and other Leadership Fellows are hopeful that these events will continue on an annual basis.