Skip to Content

Leadership and Service Center

  • Students participate in a leadership exercise.

Close Family Emerging Leaders Program

For more than 45 years, the Close Family Emerging Leaders Program (CFELP) has provided students with the tools to develop their leadership skills and prepare themselves for leadership roles on campus. No matter what level of leadership experience you have, CFELP will help provide a foundation focused around your personal strengths and authentic self.

When I signed up to participate in the Close Family Emerging Leaders Program I expected to add some more lines to my resume, I didn't expect to change my whole view on leadership.

Annalise Bowen

Registration for Spring 2026 opens January 12th


CFELP meets for a total of eight weeks, meeting on Tuesdays in the LSC from 6:00P-7:30P. The program is completed in two parts:

  • Part I meets February 3rd - February 24th
  • Part II meets March 17th - April 7th.

Please ensure you are available for all eight weeks above, as this is a cohort-style program.

If you have any questions about the registration process or weekly meetings, please email Brett Williams.


What is CFELP?

CFELP is a one-semester, eight-week workshop series where students discover and explore their strengths, develop authentic leadership, and learn how to lead with others. 

Who Should Participate? 

All students are welcome to participate, but CFELP content is most beneficial to first-year, sophomore, or transfer students who wish to enhance their leadership skills and become more prepared for leadership roles on campus.

What Can Participants Expect to Learn?  

CFELP is intended to help you expand your ability to exercise leadership, develop skills that assist in leading others, and enhance awareness and commitment towards personal leadership strengths.

When does it meet? 

Students will complete CFELP through a cohort-style model, meeting for 90 minutes/week for eight weeks. 

How do I apply?  

Registration for the Spring 2026 cohort of CFELP may be completed by clicking the link above when available.

Close Family Namesake

The Close family has been the namesake of the CFELP program for more than 40 years. One of the Close family’s core values is service to the community and creating opportunities for South Carolinians. For more information on the Close family, click here.

Additional Questions 

If you have additional questions about participating in CFELP, please contact Brett Williams.


Challenge the conventional. Create the exceptional. No Limits.

©