The University of Olivet recognized 18 students as graduates of the 11th President’s Leadership Institute (PLI) class during a ceremony Wednesday, March 8 at the Battle Creek Country Club.
Launched in 2013, PLI was established to develop top leadership skills in Olivet’s students, as well as enable them to become the principal professional and community leaders of the future. The College collaborated with experienced professionals that specialize in business coaching and professional development to design a program catered specifically to Comets. Students with exemplary leadership potential are nominated for the program by the OC community.
To begin the program, students complete the behavior assessment known as the DiSC Assessment, categorizing students into four groups named after each letter representing their most prominent behavioral trait: dominance, inducement, submission and compliance. Recognizing the difference between a manager and a leader is another pinnacle aspect in PLI’s curriculum. Positive communication and addressing change are also lessons covered in PLI, paired with personalized leadership coaching sessions.
The final stage of the program, Putting Leadership In Action Team Projects, divides students into small groups to put their knowledge, skills and abilities into practice. Each group brainstorms projects that could improve the The University of Olivet community.
Eleventh President’s Leadership Institute Graduation Class
Logan Allen, Criminal Justice
Daniel Ballagh, Insurance and Risk Management
Rivkie Biritz, Psychology
Brielle Broderick, Media Production and Communication
Landen Cooley, Criminal Justice
Alexandra DeVault, Criminal Justice and Psychology
Bryce Gates, Criminal Justice
Da’Quarious Johnson, Business Management
Seth Kading, Business Marketing
Logan Kramer, Computer Science
Elisabeth McIntosh, Music
Spencer Murphy, Biology with Pre-Medicine
Jenna Pagano, Financial Planning
Chelsea Perry, Biology
Jade Smith, Psychology
Liberty Tetzlaff, Sports Psychology
Isabela Tijerina, Biology with Pre-Veterinary Medicine
Karley Wheeler, Biology with Pre-Medicine and Psychology