By TISA MASON
FHSU President
Fort Hays State University (FHSU) prepares students to navigate life’s complexities by immersing them in an array of experiences that form the core of the Global Citizen Leader Program (GCLP). This pioneering initiative aims to cultivate engaged leaders who not only excel in their local communities but also make meaningful contributions on a global scale. Noah Erichsen and Stephany Rother are the first students to complete the program, and their remarkable journeys offer a glimpse into the profound impact of GCLP.
The GCLP requires students to complete courses and cross-cultural experiences and deliver a presentation reflecting on their learnings and experiences. The presentation aspect challenges students to bring their coursework and experiences together, to think critically about the world around them, and to articulate how they can create positive change.
Noah Erichsen, a senior from Ellsworth, Kansas, embodies the spirit of a global citizen leader. Growing up, Noah and his family traveled frequently. “Both my parents were retired, so we often took educational vacations in the summer to different monuments and parks, where I loved to learn. I am an Eagle Scout. I was able to go to the World Scout Jamboree in 2019. I was given two pen pals leading up to the jamboree—Caio, from Brazil, and Eve, from England. I was able to meet both of them at the Jamboree, and I have been able to go and spend time with them in Brazil and in the UK. These experiences made me want more, especially on a global scale.
Noah’s parents have been a strong source of inspiration. “Not only did they instill in me my morals, but they also showed me what true leadership looks like. My mother leads from behind; she is a teacher, educates, and watches others excel. She is the best listener, advice giver, and teacher one could have, which are key skills for a leader. My father leads from the front; he asks hard questions and expects full answers. Like my mother, he pushed me to be the best I can be. If the job wasn’t done 100%, it wasn’t done, and he made me go back and finish it. Work ethic and accountability are also key ingredients for a leader. Without them, I would not be remotely close to the leader I am today.”
His first exposure to FHSU was through his participation in the High Plains Music Camp for several years. “I had no idea where I wanted to go to college. However, I was completely sold with my on-campus tour with the History Dept, Music Dept, and Honors College. FHSU also offered the best scholarships and had the best faculty I met.”
Noah shared that through scouting and studying abroad in Barcelona, Spain, he has understood that we are not all that different. “Lines on a map do not define who we are. While in Spain, I still studied, made friends, laughed, researched, and presented. Being a student in another country still means being a student. You can lead from Hays, Barcelona, Brazil, or anywhere. My professor in Spain helped me see that my writing processes and research methods were just the same as hers. It’s almost like a universal language.”
Noah believes that global leadership is being able to lead no matter where you are or your situation. “Global leaders need to be adaptable, empathetic, and caring. We have to understand where others are coming from. Many cultures are different than ours, and we need to understand that and be adaptable in our approach. Overall, it is wildly the same. People respond the same, and people lead the same.”
Through the GCLP, Noah has synthesized his coursework and real-world experiences to articulate a vision for global leadership that transcends borders. Noah's travels, including a transformative study abroad program in Barcelona, reinforced the importance of adaptability and empathy—traits that he believes are critical for effective leaders.
His contributions to the local community, whether playing the pipe organ at church or advocating for students as a Student Government Association (SGA) leader, showcase his commitment to positive change. From co-authoring bills promoting inclusive facilities to improving camp participation for youth, Noah approaches leadership with an open heart. As he prepares for life beyond FHSU, he hopes to continue his advocacy work with organizations like the VFW Auxiliary and Scouting.
“Leadership takes on many different forms,” Noah explains, emphasizing that authentic leadership can manifest through simple acts of kindness. His focus on building connections and understanding across diverse cultures sets a powerful example of how one individual can drive change, no matter where they are.
Stephany Rother recently shared the impact of her experiences in the Global Citizen Leader Program with our University Communications team. With a focus on coursework, community engagement, and studying abroad, Stephany leveraged every opportunity to develop a nuanced understanding of cultural dynamics and global systems.
Her experiences, primarily in the U.K. and Greece, allowed her to dive deep into the realities of global economics, transforming theoretical knowledge into practical insight. Learning how different countries approach taxation and trade has expanded her economic understanding and highlighted the importance of cultural awareness in international dealings.
As Stephany continues her academic journey, the skills she acquired abroad have enriched her coursework in the U.S. and demonstrated how interconnected our world has become. Her story emphasizes that education can be a bridge to greater awareness and empathy, and that engaging with diverse perspectives is essential in shaping informed leaders for tomorrow.
Noah and Stephany represent the pioneering spirit of the Global Citizen Leader Program at FHSU. These two remarkable students embody the program’s mission to develop global citizens equipped to engage with the world. Their stories reflect a commitment to fostering understanding and collaboration—qualities that will serve them well as they navigate their futures.
Fort Hays State is committed to cultivating leaders who can impact global issues, and the new knowledge, skills, and achievements of these members of the program’s first cohort exemplify a significant step toward a more connected and compassionate world. In an ever-changing landscape, the GCL program's emphasis on education, community engagement, and cultural understanding lays the groundwork for future students and directly serves our mission to develop engaged citizen-leaders. The journeys of Noah and Stephany remind us that regardless of our physical locations, the power to lead and foster change knows no boundaries.