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Haslam Leadership Scholars (HALS)

Unlocking Your Leadership Potential with Haslam Leadership Scholars 
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. Founded by the esteemed Haslam family, 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.

 

The Haslam Leadership Scholars at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, was founded in 2008 with a generous gift from Jimmy and Dee Haslam and Jim and Natalie Haslam. 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. 

2025-2026 Minor 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

 

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 benefit from generous scholarships, including tuition, fees, and room and board, for successful completion of program requirements.
Our scholars are routinely recognized as Torchbearers (UT’s highest student honor), receive national scholarships and fellowships such as the Udall Scholarship, Fulbright Scholarship, and Critical Language Scholarship, complete international internships and studies abroad, and gain admission to competitive graduate and professional programs. Notably, three program alumni are Rhodes Scholars.

 

Meet the Current Haslam Leadership Scholars

 

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

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

 

Eligibility

Admission to Haslam Leadership Scholars is available to entering first-year students. Scholars will have demonstrated knowledge and experience in leadership, service-learning, and civic engagement and are prepared to use such knowledge to contribute to the state of Tennessee.

All students who apply to the Haslam Leadership Scholars with the qualifying academic criteria will be considered, and the program will prioritize and specifically state a preference for: 

  • Tennessee residents, we seek a geographically diverse cohort with representation from across Tennessee. 
  • Students who demonstrate knowledge of and prior experience in the program’s core values of leadership, service-learning, and civic engagement 
  • Students with different perspectives, experiences, and socioeconomic backgrounds
  • Students in the following Colleges, Schools, or majors: 
    • Haslam College of Business 
    • Tickle College of Engineering 
    • Herbert College of Agriculture 
    • Baker School of Public Policy 
    • Retail, Hospitality, Tourism Management

 

Additional Information

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.

FUNDED INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE

After their second year, all scholars will participate in a summer internship, providing them with the opportunity 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 community.

HASLAM LEADERSHIP SCHOLARS FACULTY 

To learn more about the HLS faculty, click here.