Lott High School Leadership Conference

The Seventh Annual Lott Leadership Conference was held on November 7, 2007. The conference featured group discussions for 2007 Lott Nominees, school officials, and parents. Additionally, a luncheon was held at the Johnson Common followed by a keynote speaker.

Agenda

Breakout Sessions

Health Care: Universal Right or Personal Responsibility?

Session led by: Kenneth Townsend

President Bush’s recent veto of a bill that would have provided health care coverage to uninsured children has helped re-ignite a debate concerning the proper role of government in providing health insurance. This session will explore practical and philosophical questions concerning how to deal with America’s 47 million uninsured citizens.

Climate Change: Winners, Losers, and Responsibilities

Session led by: Dr. David J. Rutherford

Past climate changes produced dramatic benefits and detriments across much of the world. Contemporary climate change – whether naturally occurring or human induced – will produce similar effects on the world’s economy, water supplies, food security, real estate markets, resource availability, and more. Who wins and loses, and what responsibilities are involved?

Human Rights and Immigration:  Is Everyone’s Responsibility Anyone’s Responsibility?

Session led by: Dr. Eric Thomas Weber

We will discuss the problem of genocide and immigration.  Is it anyone’s responsibility to take in immigrants who flee from their governments? Is it everyone’s responsibility?  What would you want if you were the one in danger?  How should we understand the claim of universal obligation?

Keynote and Breakout Leaders Biographies

David J. Rutherford earned his Ph.D. in geography from Texas State University San Marcos. He is Assistant Professor in the Department of Public Policy Leadership at the University of Mississippi where he is developing courses focused on major forces of contemporary global change such as global environmental issues, religion and belief systems, population, immigration, urbanization, and ethnic conflict. His recent research includes study of cultural landscapes, the geography of religion and belief systems, and the theory and practice of interdisciplinary research and teaching. His research results, research reviews, and editorial compilations have been published as monographs, a book chapter, and articles in professional journals. Dr. Rutherford is also Associate Director of the Gilbert M. Grosvenor Center for Geographic Education and he recently completed a two-year research fellowship at National Geographic Society.

Raised in Kosciusko, Mississippi, Kenneth Townsend majored in political science and English as an undergraduate at Millsaps College.  At Millsaps, Kenneth held various leadership positions, including co-chair of the campus ministry team and president of the student body.  Upon graduating from Millsaps, Kenneth moved to Oxford, England – the “other” Oxford – where he studied as a Rhodes Scholar.  After receiving his MPhil in Politics, Kenneth returned to Mississippi in August 2006 to teach as a Barksdale Fellow in the Ole Miss Honors College; in the Honors College, he has taught courses such as Intro to American Politics, Liberty, Justice, and Equality, Religion and Politics, and Modern Political Thought.  Last summer, Kenneth led a Lott Leadership exchange program in South Africa.  Currently, Kenneth is an instructor in the public policy department where he teaches Intro to Public Policy Leadership; next semester, Kenneth will also teach a course on ethics and public policy.

Eric Thomas Weber earned his Ph.D. in philosophy from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.  He is an Assistant Professor in the recently established department of Public Policy Leadership at the University of Mississippi.  He teaches classes in ethics and public policy, critical thinking and communications, and political philosophy.  His current research focuses on regional economic development and the responsibilities of leadership and education in the public sphere