The University of Olivet recognized 21 students as graduates of the 12th President’s Leadership Institute (PLI) class during a ceremony Wednesday, March 6 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 University 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 University of Olivet community.
Twelfth President’s Leadership Institute Graduation Class
Cooper Beard – Sport & Recreation Management
Brooklyn Butler – Business Management
Sarah Cruz – Psychology
Stuart Donlan – Media Production and Communication
London Eldridge – Biology: PreMed
Samantha Foster – Sports and Recreation Management, Sports Psychology minor
Ramiro Guerrero – Criminal Justice, Psychology
Jordan Kruskie – Psychology & Sociology/Anthropology
Cade McMillan – Sports Recreation Management
Darren McLeod – Business Administration, Finance Concentration
Rick Meighan – Business management
Emily Mitchell – Chemistry
Kaylee Pelfrey – Business
Jalayna Porter – Music
Amber Ralston – Financial Planning, Insurance & Risk Management
Erin Ruley – Actuarial Science
Bridgette Shroll – Biology, Ecology & Organismal studies concentration
Miranda Sparks – Business Administration, Finance Concentration
Jamie Stiver – Business Administration
Reece Yeager – English
Click here to view and download pictures from the event.
Learn more about The University of Olivet by contacting the Office of Admission at admissions@UOlivet.edu or 269-749-7635.