Jamestown (UJ) – University of Jamestown and the Unruh School of Character in Leadership will host the inaugural Leadertown Conference on Thursday, Sept. 25, bringing together leaders, educators and students for a one-day event focused on character-driven leadership.

First Community Credit Union is the lead sponsor for the event. The conference, themed “Discover the Power of Character,” will feature bestselling author and New York Times columnist David Brooks as the evening keynote speaker.

The event will also include sessions led by national and regional leaders such as Emily Ford and Jake Havron of Fordivine, Tracie and Emmanuel Ohonme of Samaritan’s Feet International, and Bob Upgren of Cross Training Ministries.

“Leadertown is about more than leadership skills – it’s about building character through the core virtues of wisdom, integrity, service, excellence, courage and humility,” said Dr. Liz Hunt, executive director of the Unruh School of Character in Leadership. “We are grateful to First Community Credit Union for supporting this vision and helping us bring together a community of leaders committed to making a difference.”

The conference will open with attendees’ choice of a networking session or prayer walk led by Kirstie Dobson, director of campus ministry, each focusing on the university’s six core virtues. Attendees will participate in interactive workshops and panel discussions on topics such as integrity, servant leadership, decision-making and generational leadership.

“First Community Credit Union is proud to support the Leadertown Conference and its mission to inspire ethical leadership rooted in character,” said Steve Schmitz, president and CEO of First Community Credit Union. “We believe strong communities are built by leaders who serve with integrity and humility.”

The main stage events will take place in Harold Newman Arena at the University of Jamestown, 6000 College Lane, Jamestown, N.D. Registration opens at 8 a.m., with programming running throughout the day and culminating in Brooks’ keynote address at 5:30 p.m.

Conference registration is $79, with a special student rate of $20. Groups of 10 or more receive a 25% discount.

Additional thanks to our sponsors: Collins Aerospace, Unison Bank, HUB, AdShark, Anne Carlsen, Dakota Central, Gate City Bank, Hometown Credit Union, the Jamestown Sun and the Fargo Vocational Training Center.

For more information, a full agenda or to register, visit leadertown.uj.edu or contact Amanda Allen at 701-368-9419 or Amanda.allen@uj.edu.