By Andrea Conley/reporter

Seventy student leaders across the Tarrant County College District participated in the Leadership Experience Summit Oct. 30 on Trinity River Campus.

Interim Chancellor Erma Johnson-Hadley shared anecdotes, posed several questions, randomly called on attendees to answer and listed key characteristics of becoming a successful leader.

Among those characteristics, Johnson-Hadley listed honesty, telling them they must first and foremost be honest with themselves as well as with others.

She offered examples of how high-profile leaders have given in to temptation, acted dishonestly or accepted bribes.

“It is not likely that you can serve the public and serve yourself at the same time,” she said.

Johnson-Hadley also stressed the importance of self-awareness.

“More important than knowing what you want to do is knowing who you really are,” she said.

One student asked Johnson-Hadley how to persuade more students to get involved in clubs and organizations.

“It’s up to you (student leaders) to help students understand what an education is all about,” she said.

The chancellor said participation in clubs and organizations is a vital part of a student’s education, and it is possible for someone to earn a college degree without getting a complete education.

“Much of your education comes more from outside the classroom than inside it,” she said. “You have to find time to do other things on campus” that lead to truly educational experiences.

After Johnson-Hadley’s address, the student leaders heard motivational presentations by two faculty members: Steven LeMons, TR writing and learning center coordinator, and Chad Wooley, TR department chair of history, government, philosophy and legal studies.

Victoria Burson, TR student development coordinator who organized the summit, said although the campus has only been open for a short time, its leadership groups — All-Stars and The Leaders Council — have grown to more than 40 members.