FHSU Department of Applied Business Studies

“I saw the word ‘leadership’ and wanted to give it a shot,” Chelsie Andrews, Bennington graduate student, said of applying to and being accepted into this year’s Leadership Hays class.

Her goals for this hands-on program include giving back to the Hays community while gaining vital leadership tools that will aid her in a future career. Chelsie’s dedication to her academic and professional pursuits are admirable as she seizes opportunities while being a part of Fort Hays State University and the Hays community.

Leadership Hays is a program coordinated by the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce and is affiliated with the Kansas Leadership Center. It is a multi-session program, held between February through May, that helps develop leadership skills and challenges its participants to implement the techniques learned in their personal and professional lives. This year, 21 participants from 19 area businesses will participate in the program. Together, they will collaborate ideas, practice leadership skills, discuss leadership qualities, network, and make friendships. Their final project will be a testament of the skills gained as they plan an activity to benefit children in Ellis County.

Chelsie has undergraduate degrees in both Tourism and Hospitality Management and Leadership Studies from FHSU. She is currently a graduate student obtaining a Master’s of Professional Studies in Human Resource Management of which she’ll complete in December 2019 from FHSU.

Chelsie is also very active across campus as well as within the Applied Business Studies department and the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship. As a member of the Travel Club, she has engaged in opportunities to travel abroad in Costa Rica and Ecuador to share her leadership experiences. She has been inducted into the Eta Sigma Delta Honor Society. She is also a working member of Collegiate DECA and has presented various case studies at the state and national level.