JEFFERSON CITY — Dozens of community college students from across Missouri came together in Jefferson City recently for the Missouri Community College Association’s (MCCA) annual Student Leadership Institute.
The one-day event gave student leaders the chance to sharpen their leadership skills, learn from experts and connect directly with Missouri legislators.
The Institute convened on Sept. 10, 2025, on the Lincoln University campus.
The Student Leadership Institute is designed for students who are stepping into leadership roles on their campuses, many of them newly elected to student government or other positions. By participating, students gain tools they can use immediately in their campus communities and carry into their future careers.
Programmed by East Central College’s Sarah Leassner and State Fair Community College’s Dr. Autumn Whitehead, the Institute offered leadership training, opportunities to network with peers from other colleges, and a visit to the Missouri State Capitol
Throughout the day, participants took part in interactive sessions focused on representation, collaboration and how to turn ideas into action. Sessions highlighted the impact of student voices in shaping campus culture and the role of advocacy in strengthening Missouri’s community colleges.
The annual Institute is held in conjunction with the Missouri Legislature’s veto override session, ensuring students can meet with lawmakers from their college’s regional service area. This year, the Institute also coincided with a special legislative session considering a new congressional map and changes to the state’s initiative petition process, which gave students a firsthand view of vigorous, peaceful demonstrations and broad public engagement around potentially historic changes to Missouri’s political institutions.
A signature feature of the Institute is the opportunity for students to meet with their own legislators at the State Capitol. These conversations provided students with a firsthand look at how lawmakers shape policy and highlighted the connection between higher education and Missouri’s workforce needs.
“Student voices matter,” said MCCA President and CEO Brian Millner. “The Institute gives our students a direct line to lawmakers and the tools to lead on their campuses and in Missouri’s workforce.”
Millner added that the Institute continues to be one of the most impactful ways to connect students with the broader mission of community colleges. “By understanding how policy affects education and workforce development, students leave better prepared to lead and advocate for their communities.”
The Student Leadership Institute reflects MCCA’s mission to engage students and strengthen Missouri’s community colleges.
For more information about this and other MCCA initiatives, visit https://www.missouricolleges.org/