Historically, the implicit and, often the explicit, mission of institutions of higher learning is to train the next generation of leaders and change agents. Whereas such an imperative still exists in modern higher education, the manner in which that mission is accomplished has become more intentional by the implementation of "by design" leadership development experiences and learning opportunities. Entitled "Razor’s Edge," the following outlines a specific approach that can be utilized by Nova Southeastern University to produce a vibrant curricular/co-curricular leadership development experience that incorporates the best practices of current collegiate strategies, experiences, and curriculum.

Mirroring current postulates of student development theories, any intervention created should be intentional, progressive, and sequential, while allowing for varying levels of student development/ readiness. Furthermore, program components should provide a variety of developmental, skill-building, and learning experiences (Roberts, 1985). It is important to also be mindful that learning preferences of the current cohort of students are "experiential, participatory, image-driven, and connected" (Elmore, 2004, p. i). Finally, in order to capture a "by design" (versus a “by default”) approach, outcomes and competencies should be specific to building leadership capacity and should be obvious to participants and assessed via qualitative and quantitative methods.

The following are the goals of the Razor's Edge proposal.

• Create an intentional leadership development/education experience that is innovative, engaging, and grounded in appropriate theory, as well as captures measurable outcomes.
• Build personal and organizational leadership capacities among participants via developmental, educative, and skill-building experiences.
• Provide a meaningful and value-added element of the NSU Experience for undergraduate students.
• Create a culture of leadership and engagement that will impact the entire campus.
• Offer an attractive and incentivized program that will yield high-caliber student leaders/scholars to NSU.

Razor's Edge will contain both co-curricular and curricular components. The program and co-curricular components will be administered by the NSU Division of Student Affairs. The academic core of the Razor’s Edge will be housed in the Office of Undergraduate Studies through the creation of a new multi-disciplinary leadership track that participants will accrue through their involvement in the program. Program recruitment targets specific high-performing, highly involved high school student leaders both individually and in group contexts.

• Razor’s Edge Leadership Certificate

The following outlines the recognition received for up to four years of continuous undergraduate enrollment.

• Participants receive an annual scholarship of $5,500 for each academic year they remain in good standing in the program for up to four years of continuous undergraduate enrollment.
• Participants receive $4,000 annually toward on-campus housing for up to four years of continuous undergraduate enrollment. On-campus housing is required for Razor's Edge participants throughout their participation in the program.
• Participants receive $500 annual directed assistance toward a meal plan declining balance for up to four years of continuous undergraduate enrollment. Please Note: If students eventually opt out of the meal plan, this award can not be transferred to defer other costs.

Note: While this scholarship support is generous, it does not cover the full costs of attending NSU. Students and their parents are strongly encouraged to visit NSU's Student Financial Aid website for more information.

• Elmore, T. (2004). Habitudes: Images that form leadership habits and attitudes. (p. i). Atlanta: Growing Leaders, Inc.
• Roberts, D. C. (Ed.). (1981). Student leadership programs in higher education. Carbondale, IL: Southern Illinois Press.