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Haslam Leadership Scholars (HALS)

 

“Attract, cultivate, & retain the future leaders of Tennessee”

 

The Haslam Leadership Scholars (HALS) program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, provides an unparalleled opportunity for ambitious students to cultivate their leadership skills and contribute meaningfully to Tennessee and beyond.

The Haslam Leadership Scholars at UT, was founded in 2008 with a generous gift from Jimmy and Dee Haslam and Jim and Natalie Haslam.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About Haslam Leadership Scholars

The Haslam Leadership Scholars minor is an intimate, four-year cohort-based enrichment program that honors the Haslam family’s legacy of developing community-minded and intellectually gifted young leaders. The mission of Haslam Leadership Scholars is to attract, cultivate, and retain future leaders of Tennessee.

 

 HALS fosters a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment where scholars can:
  • Develop a comprehensive understanding of leadership: Explore leadership theories, refine critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, and cultivate ethical decision-making frameworks.
  • Gain invaluable real-world experience: Immerse yourself in a globalized world through a transformative study abroad experience and hone your professional skills through a high-impact internship within the vibrant Tennessee landscape.
  • Engage in meaningful dialogue and collaboration: Connect with a cohort of exceptional peers, faculty mentors, the Haslam family, and accomplished alumni, fostering a supportive network that will last a lifetime.
  • Conduct impactful research and projects: Contribute to knowledge creation and address pressing societal challenges through rigorous Tennessee-based capstone projects that demonstrate your leadership in action.
HALS is more than just a program; it’s an investment in your future. By joining this prestigious community, you’ll gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to lead complex challenges, inspire positive change, and become a force for good in Tennessee and beyond.

 

 
 
 

Achievement

Enrichment

Excellence

Community Building

Haslam Leadership Scholars minor is an intimate, four-year cohort based enrichment program designed to develop community-minded and intellectually gifted young leaders of tomorrow. 

Life Changing Opportunities

Haslam Scholars are routinely recognized as Torchbearers (UT’s highest student honor), receive national scholarships such as the Fulbright and Udal Scholarship. Three program alumni are Rhodes Scholars. 

 

2025-2026 Program of Studies

Requirements

Leadership Series

  • HALS 107: Haslam Leadership Scholars Professional Development (0); repeated multiple semesters
  • HALS 207: Foundations of Leadership I (1 credit hour) 
  • HALS 208: Foundations of Leadership II (1 credit hour)
  • HALS 307: Inclusive Leadership (1 credit hour)
  • HALS 308: Conflict Resolution (1 credit hour)

Experiential Learning

  • HALS 297: Haslam Leadership Education Abroad (1 credit hour)
  • HALS 391: Leadership Internship (1 credit hour)

Communication Series

  • One Vol Core approved Honors Written Communication course (3 credit hours)
  • One Vol Core approved Honors Oral Communication (OC) or Applied Oral Communication (AOC) course (3 credit hours)

Capstone Series

  • HALS 397: Haslam Leadership Group Capstone (3 credit hours)
  • HALS 497: Honors Capstone (3 credit hours) or department-approved capstone equivalent

Total credit hours required: 18 hours  

 

“True leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about asking the right questions, building the right teams, and having the courage to challenge the status quo. The Haslam Leadership Scholars Program develops leaders who think critically, act decisively, and inspire change that lasts beyond their time at UT.”

-Laura Seery Lenn, Ph.D.
Masters Investment Learning Center
Haslam College of Business

 

    Haslam Leadership Scholars Minor (2025-26). First Year. Fall - Halls 207: Foundations of Leadership 1 credit hour. Spring - HALS 307: Inclusive Leadership 1 credit hour. Summer - HALS 297: Haslam Leadership Education Abroad - 1 credit hour. 2nd Year. Fall - HALS 208: Foundations of Leadership 2 1 credit hour. Spring - HALS 308: Conflict Resolution 1 credit hour. Summer - HALS 391: Leadership Internship 1 credit hour. Third Year. Fall - HALS 397: Group Capstone: Tennessee Opportunities 3 credit hours. Fourth year - HALS 497: Leadership Capstone 3 credit hours. Also, 3 credit hours of honors written communication. 3 credit hours of Honors Oral or Applied Oral Communication. 18 credit hour minor.  

 

Haslam Leadership Scholars are expected to make timely progress towards honors graduation while maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5. Students not meeting expectations will be required to complete additional academic coaching and support.

Students are encouraged to complement their studies by participating in one or more of UT’s specialized departmental honors concentrations or college honors programs.

 

Eligibility

 

  • Still Undecided?

Fully-Funded Education Abroad

After their first year, Haslam Leadership Scholars participate as a cohort in a mini-term education abroad program. Recent locations have included Ireland and Costa Rica. This program is designed to help scholars explore and understand their role as global citizens, while developing a strong multicultural awareness around leadership philosophies. During this experience, scholars will engage corporate and non-profit leaders abroad, while also participating in cultural immersion activities.

Internship Experience

After their second year, scholars are supported in locating a summer internship, allowing them to cultivate their leadership skills in a professional setting. This Tennessee-based internship will enable students to develop relationships with local firms, organizations, and policymakers, as well as with the wider TN community.

 

   

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