As the Hispanic/Latino population continues to grow and influence the social, cultural and economic fabrics of higher education, the need for intentional leadership development within this community becomes increasingly vital. Institutions must shift their focus to meeting students where they are to develop passionate, professional, and civic leaders. But more importantly, they must ask the question Jerry Smartt has been using for nearly a decade: “What would it be like if universities intentionally recruited Hispanic Latinos who want to go to college but may not know how to get there?” Smartt, the Friends University program director of foreign language and a professor of Spanish, has served as an advocate and leader for the Hispanic Latino community her whole life. When she pitched the Latino Leadership program to the university president and received support, she knew her role would continue to develop. “It was all about recruitment and retention,” said Smartt. “I see confused students looking to further their education, and I want to offer them some guidance, calling them out to join the program.”

Mission and Vision

The Latino Leadership program now exists to empower all students through culturally rooted, faith-based service and development, all to shape resilient leaders. But this program had to go beyond admissions. Instead, Smartt focused on local school counselors. The program initially reached local Wichita schools and gradually expanded its presence across the state and region as interest grew.

“We began to see nibbles of interest across Kansas, and that is when I knew we had hit a niche,” said Smartt. “God has laid a hand on the program and given us everything we need to reach as many students as possible.”

Mentorship That Makes a Difference

Unlike athletics, fine arts, and academic recruitment, Smartt knew the Latino Leadership program needed to integrate into the community. Mentorship, specifically involving three mentors for each student, became a pillar of the program, distinguishing Friends University’s program from other leadership opportunities.

“Other larger schools might offer a program reflective of Latino Leadership, but lack the extensive resources to provide as much attention to each student. Establishing three mentors ensures each student is guided and challenged in a range of their time in higher education,” said Smartt.

The mentors are separated into three categories: peer, academic, and community. For senior Pilar Flores, this meant challenging her comfort zone at different levels and developing into a leader in ways she may never have thought possible. The peer mentors are fellow students in the same field of study, athletic programs, or campus clubs and have already participated in the program. The academic mentor is the student’s academic advisor. These faculty members embrace this role beyond scheduling classes, and invite students to enhance their education outside the classroom as well.

Finally, the community mentors are leaders aligned with the student’s chosen career. Students and community mentors receive a leadership book to follow, guiding conversations to explore challenges, experiences, and opinions. Having a community mentor also establishes a connection in the career field early and guarantees an internship for the student’s junior and senior years.

“When I first stepped onto campus during the immersion period, I was scared. I didn’t know if I fit into the academic world. But the Latino Leadership program gave me a whole room full of people who were connected and proud that I was there,” said Flores.

Students Leading with Purpose

But leadership doesn’t stop at learning.

“When God says, ‘Love thy neighbor,’ the Latino Leadership program knows it means giving back to the community.” said Flores.

In the last academic year, Latino Leadership participated in dozens of service projects and conferences. A cornerstone of the initiative is the annual Latino Leadership Summit, where students gather to explore identity and leadership through workshops, keynote speakers, and culturally affirming activities to celebrate their heritage and faith.

They collaborated with other Latino clubs on campus to serve the Iglesia Evangelica Amigo church, where they painted walls, organized rooms and closets, did lawn maintenance, and prepared lunch for attendees. They also partnered with the Kansas Humane Society and, together with the Friends University Spanish club, hosted movie nights—Flores’ favorite events—to collect donations for local shelters.

“All these experiences have given me room to grow and change for the better. We start off so malleable and inspired to do great things, and the program gives us the opportunities to achieve those dreams. I’m hoping that I can continue to give back to the program and the community, and stay active throughout it all,” said Flores.

Looking Ahead

As the next academic year looms in the distance, Smartt is taking a step back as program director, giving a new face on campus a chance to lead the program toward better outcomes. This choice, as well as her vision, has established a strong foundation for the community: one that serves not only to open doors for students but also empowers them to hold those doors open for others.

“This program was never designed to recruit for the Spanish major; that is not what Latino Leadership is about. We wanted students who were interested in servant leadership. We’re here to, one: focus on recruiting to give students access to higher education, and two: continue to support them through their education so they can be the best they can be,” said Smartt.

About the author

Shaylee Gibbs is the PR Communications Specialist at Friends University, where she crafts and shares the university’s voice across various platforms. Her favorite aspect of her role is building connections with alumni and current students and highlighting their achievements, aspirations, and milestones.