WestStar Leadership Program

10/14/2026

West Tennessee is about to welcome a new class of leaders. On November 9, WestStar Leadership will announce the WestStar Class of 2027 at a reception at Hub City Brewing in Jackson, Tennessee, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.

The reception is a chance to meet the incoming class, recognize the cross-community relationships that make this program strong, and look ahead to the ideas and service these leaders will bring to the region. Participants will meet people outside their usual networks, learn about challenges across the region, collaborate on solutions, and keep serving long after the program ends.

To RSVP or confirm attendance details, contact Jennifer Smiley at [email protected] or call 731-881-7298.

10/12/2026

From October 14-16, the Tennessee Association of Community Leadership (TACL) will hold its annual conference at Discovery Park of America in Union City, Tennessee, and WestStar Leadership invites community leaders across the region to take part.

Leadership grows when professionals step outside their usual circles and learn alongside people who face different challenges. Bring a current challenge from your organization or community, compare approaches with peers from other counties, leave with one practical next step, and follow up after the conference to put it in motion.

To learn more about attending, contact WestStar Leadership at [email protected].

09/01/2026

📢 WestStar Email Update

Please note that my previous UT Martin email address, [email protected], is no longer working.

Effective immediately, please send all WestStar-related emails and correspondence to my new email address:

📧 [email protected]

If you have recently sent something to my old email address and have not received a response, please resend it to [email protected] so I can make sure I receive it.

Thank you for your patience and understanding, and please feel free to update my contact information in your records!

Jennifer Smiley
Assistant Director
WestStar Leadership Program

08/14/2026

Deepest condolences to the family of our dear friend and loyal supporter. Hughes was a graduate of the WestStar Class of 1999.

Celebrate the life of H. Hughes Clardy and join others in sharing memories, stories, and condolences.

08/13/2026

Happy Belated Birthday to our wonderful Budget Coordinator, LeAnne Perry! 🎉

We may be a day late in celebrating you, but we are never late in appreciating you! We are so grateful for LeAnne and all the hard work, dedication, and expertise she brings to our team every single day. Your commitment and positive spirit do not go unnoticed.

We hope your birthday was as wonderful and special as you are. Happy Birthday, LeAnne! 🎂

08/13/2026

⭐Please join us in welcoming Adam Garner to the WestStar team!

Adam brings more than a decade of experience in banking, relationship management, and customer service, along with a passion for developing leaders and building strong relationships. He's excited to support WestStar's mission and help create meaningful leadership experiences across Tennessee.

08/01/2026

WestStar applications are open NOW through September 1st

The WestStar Leadership Program is now accepting applications for our next class. WestStar is designed to educate, engage, and empower community-minded individuals who are passionate about making a difference in West Tennessee.

Through hands-on sessions, participants gain new leadership skills, strategies to strengthen their communities, and access to a growing network of leaders who are shaping the region’s future. From learning alongside state leaders to building lasting friendships with fellow classmates, WestStar offers an experience unlike any other.

Why Apply?
⭐️Gain valuable leadership skills and knowledge through dynamic sessions.
⭐️Build lifelong connections with leaders across West Tennessee.
⭐️Strengthen confidence in your ability to create meaningful change.
⭐️Receive recognition as part of a unique program committed to community service and regional growth.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the next generation of West Tennessee leaders!

Click the link to apply! https://apply.mykaleidoscope.com/program/2027WestStarLeadership

07/28/2026

🚨 IMPORTANT UPDATE – Vaughn RisingStar Rescheduled! 🚨

Please note that Vaughn RisingStar has been rescheduled to October 8–9, 2026.

📅 New Dates: October 8–9, 2026
👥 Limited to ONLY 45 students – Once the class is full, registration will close.
⏰ Registration Deadline: October 1, 2026

Don't wait until the last minute! Secure your spot today by using the registration link below.

🔗 Register here: https://secure.touchnet.com/C21608_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=1681&SINGLESTORE=true

We look forward to seeing everyone in October for an incredible learning experience! Please share this post with anyone who may be interested.

07/16/2026

LAST DAY to register! ⭐️

RisingStar registration is OPEN! 🥳

Register your upcoming high school seniors for the Vaughn RisingStar Youth Summit, taking place on July 30-31, 2026!This event equips students with leadership skills, college readiness, and career insights, all while staying in UT Martin’s dorms for a real college experience.

💵 Registration Fee: $120 (Covers lodging, meals, swag, & t-shirt!)
📅 Deadline: July 17
🔗 Register Today!
https://secure.touchnet.com/C21608_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=1681&FROMQRCODE=true&SINGLESTORE=true

🌟Please spread the word and help us make this opportunity available to all eligible students! For questions and additional registration materials, contact Jennifer Smiley at [email protected] or 731-881-7298.

06/17/2026

RisingStar registration is OPEN! 🥳

Register your upcoming high school seniors for the Vaughn RisingStar Youth Summit, taking place on July 30-31, 2026!This event equips students with leadership skills, college readiness, and career insights, all while staying in UT Martin’s dorms for a real college experience.

💵 Registration Fee: $120 (Covers lodging, meals, swag, & t-shirt!)
📅 Deadline: July 17
🔗 Register Today!
https://secure.touchnet.com/C21608_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=1681&FROMQRCODE=true&SINGLESTORE=true

🌟Please spread the word and help us make this opportunity available to all eligible students! For questions and additional registration materials, contact Jennifer Smiley at [email protected] or 731-881-7298.