"Be an effective communicator," U.S. Senator Thad Cochran told a group of approximately 250 Millsaps students during an October program sponsored by Leadership, Enrichment, and Development (LEAD).  LEAD is a Millsaps student-driven leadership program created to help students expand their leadership skills. 
   In his introduction of the speaker, junior Bert Austin of Greenwood described Cochran as "an outstanding American leader and one of Mississippi's greatest assets." 
   Cochran's informal chat with students created a lively exchange of ideas and responses.  Students voiced questions and concerns on the issue of welfare reform, term limits, campaign finance reform, education, and prisons. 
   "The effective communicator is looked to in all leadership roles," Cochran explained.  "The qualities looked for in the U.S. Senate are no different than those looked for in leaders of any other organizations."  Cochran told students to set a system of priorities and to develop coherent written and verbal communication skills. 
   Cochran also stressed the importance of a willingness to work hard and care deeply and passionately about the outcomes.  He advised students to begin making decisions early because "choices are fewer as one moves along the path in life." 
   Senator Cochran spoke of the importance of timing and of the opportunities that led to his election to the House and Senate positions.  Using an informal storytelling style, Cochran traced his career steps in his talk "Observations on How One Person Got to the U.S. Senate."  When quizzed by a student if he votes his conscience or his constituency, Cochran exclaimed, "Both!" 
   The Millsaps speaker series is one of several components of the LEAD program, which includes an Emerging Leaders program for freshmen, a LEADership Summit twice a year for organization leaders, and Project Lead which highlights the value of community service and teamwork.

CAMPUS NEWS  | NEXT ARTICLE