Special Academic Programs and Services

President's Leadership Academy

219 University Hall, 372-9623
www.bgsu.edu/offices/leadership/

The President's Leadership Academy is a four-year program established by University President Sidney A. Ribeau in 1997 to enhance and develop students' leadership skills. Academy activities begin the summer before the freshman year with a five-week summer program. The summer program allows the students to adjust to college life prior to the beginning of their academic careers. Students take college-level courses, live in the residence halls and attend seminars and community service projects, as well as participate in social events and off-campus excursions.

Once the academic year begins, President's Leadership Academy students attend seminars, one-on-one meetings and the President's Lecture Series. The seminars expose the students to a variety of topics in the business, governmental and non-profit sectors. There are also self-development and social seminars held throughout the semester. In addition to the above, members will exemplify leadership by participating in campus/community activities such as student organizations, community service and campus projects, mentoring and support groups.

The President's Leadership Academy envisions its members graduating as "certified" leaders within four years. After graduation, former students will maintain and continue to grow in the spirit of philanthropy that was emphasized in the program. Furthermore, President's Leadership Academy graduates will become immediate contributors to their communities and societies.

In addition to stressing the University core values, the President's Leadership Academy has established its own set of core values that are essential for a leader to strive toward achieving. Those core values are honesty, knowledge, vision, open-mindedness, trust, cooperation, integrity, dependability and philanthropy. The President's Leadership Academy is more than just a stipend to financially assist our students as they move toward obtaining their goal of a college education. It is a vehicle for personal growth and support. The President's Leadership Academy offers many opportunities for students to expand their horizons, to learn not only about leadership, but also about culture, other people and themselves.

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