WestStar Leadership Program

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.

06/17/2026

Congratulations to the WestStar Leadership Class of 2026 on your graduation this evening!

Over the past year, this exceptional group of leaders has demonstrated a deep commitment to learning, collaboration, service, and the continued growth of West Tennessee.

06/04/2026

We are proud to welcome 16 outstanding educators from across West Tennessee into this year's cohort 🎉! Representing Pre-K through 12th grade classrooms, assistant principals, athletic directors, and school administrators, these dedicated professionals share a commitment to lifelong learning, leadership, and making a lasting impact on the students and communities they serve.

Throughout the coming months, these participants will engage in meaningful discussions, explore regional industries and community partnerships, and gain new perspectives on the connection between education, commerce, and community. Together, they will strengthen their leadership skills, expand their professional networks, and discover innovative ways to prepare students for success beyond the classroom.

Please join us in congratulating the WestTeach Class of 2026 as they embark on this exciting leadership journey! 🍎🌟