Twenty-one men and women from six local companies and government organizations completed a 40-hour course in leadership development offered through the Dedman Center for Business Leadership at Sandhills Community College.

Taking place over a three-month period, the course was designed to give the participants a well-rounded look at the elements of leadership and to understand which style suits their personality and leadership concepts.

The course also provided participants with the skills they need to implement their own leadership style.

Upon completion of the program, the participants earned the designation "Dedman Fellow in Leadership" from the Sandhills Community College Division of Continuing Education.

Each Dedman Fellow's participation was underwritten by a scholarship from the Robert Dedman Permanent Endowment to Benefit Sandhills Community College.

This endowment was made possible through a generous gift to Sandhills Community College from the estate of the late Robert Dedman Sr. He founded ClubCorp., which bought Pinehurst Resort in 1984.

Dedman Sr. died in 2002. The family sold the company in 2006 but retained ownership of Pinehurst.

Plans are under way for a second Dedman Leadership Series at Sandhills Community College in the fall of 2008.

Anyone wanting more information can call the Small Business Center in the Division of Continuing Education at 695-3937.