PVCC’s Charles T. Baber Leadership Program Empowers the Next Generation of Change-Makers

If you’ve heard the buzz or received the email about the Charles T. Baber Leadership Development Program at PVCC, you’re not alone. Now entering its fourth year, the Charles T. Baber Leadership Development Program was created in honor of Charles T. Baber, a respected community and business leader who believed deeply in the power of mentorship, integrity, and civic responsibility. After his passing, his wife, Beverly Baber, sought a way to carry forward his legacy. 

“Charles always talked about how young people needed role models,” Beverly Baber shared in a recent interview. “He said, ‘I was successful because someone believed in me.’ He wanted to pass that on.” And pass it on, they have.

The program, designed in collaboration with PVCC, focuses on developing ethical, service-driven leaders using the Social Change Model of Leadership Development. Over 11 weeks, students engage in hands-on projects, leadership workshops, and mentorship opportunities. This is all free of charge for students at PVCC. 

While the program does not offer academic credit, successful completion is documented on students’ transcripts, making it an excellent asset for transfer applications and job résumés alike. Students attend Thursday sessions from 4-6 p.m., beginning January 29, 2026, in a hybrid format (both in-person and virtual).

The curriculum emphasizes seven key leadership values: self-awareness, collaboration, teamwork, problem-solving, civic responsibility, and personal leadership style development. These principles aim to cultivate well-rounded leaders with essential skills and self-awareness. Participants also get the chance to design and lead a civic engagement project, directly benefiting both PVCC and the community at large. “The Baber Program gave me tools to become the leader I wanted to be,” said Lance Shelton, a Spring 2025 alumnus of the Baber Leadership Program. “It changed how I approach challenges; professionally and personally.”

One of the program’s greatest strengths lies in its effort to bring students face-to-face with real community leaders. Beverly Baber says that’s something she’s pushing to expand even further. “I’ve asked PVCC to involve more local leaders,” she explained. “Learning happens not just in textbooks, but through people and experiences. Students need to hear directly from those leading in the real world.”

 “Charles wasn’t an ‘A’ student,” Beverly Baber noted. “He worked through school, overcame a lot of challenges, and made a lasting impact. It takes persistence, but it’s possible, and this program helps students believe in that possibility.” 

From guest speakers to potential site visits, the Baber Program is building bridges between students and professionals who are making a difference, and encouraging students to do the same. If you’re a PVCC student with a passion for growth, service, and leadership, then regardless of your major, GPA, or background, the Baber Leadership Development Program could be your next big step. If you want more information, visit https://www.pvcc.edu/baber-leadership or contact Todd Parks at tparks@pvcc.edu. 

“Look for the good in people” – Charles T. Baber