Profile

Storm E. Fort
Jay Jones
GSW 1100
29 September 2015
Leadership is a Process, Not a Position
Sidney A. Ribeau President’s Leadership Academy was founded in 1997 by Bowling Green State University’s former president Dr. Sidney A. Ribeau. Dr. Ribeau wanted to give students of BGSU a chance to uphold leadership roles and to give back to their communities. In 1998, the first cohort was established and committed to upholding the goals of the President’s Leadership Academy. Just like then, the PLA still stands strong with a total of eighteen cohorts. Shortly after Dr. Ribeau left BGSU the University’s Board of Trustees honored his initiative by renaming the program after him.
This organization follows four core values: service, learning, integrity, and credibility. Service defines the selfless devotion to making a positive impact across the globe. Scholars demonstrate service through vulnerability, engaging in community service on campus, Bowling Green, Ohio, and their hometowns. They value learning because of the intrapersonal and interpersonal development that results in the effective application of leadership skills, multicultural competence, creative thinking and problem solving, and overall academic success. Scholars participate in a four year curriculum that helps to enhance their knowledge on how to be an effective leader and applying it into your everyday life. PLA values integrity because leadership is authentic, genuine, true, and honest. Lastly, PLA values credibility which is the responsible and accountable behavior through the practice of professional leadership skills.
As an entire group they attend bi-weekly and monthly meetings to learn and engage in leadership seminars. Each meeting appeared to be intense and serious by the looks on people’s faces. During one of the bi-weekly meetings they learn and discuss material based on their level within the organization. The textbook that was assigned to guide them through college is “Exploring Leadership for College Students Who Want to Make a Difference”. They were discussing the differences between ethical and moral temptation. Everyone participated in an activity that related to the subject. They use hands on activities for their activities so that it is easier for each scholar to remember. During the activities seemed like everyone’s comfort zone because faces began to relax and the atmosphere was a little less tense. The room sounded like happiness although they were only discussing leadership. Everyone laughed and smiled while they were in their smaller group setting during the activities. However, one other meeting that I attended was not the same as the last. This meeting was a little more serious and professional. Scholars were dressed in their finest clothes. The guys were dressed suit and ties or the casual khakis and collared shirt. The ladies were dressed in their dresses, skirts, or suit a well. Before the meeting was initiated everyone in the room greeted one another. Some were excited to each other more than others, but the atmosphere was warming. After a certain time everyone began taking their seats waiting for the meeting to begin which didn’t take very long. I was curious whether or not if the same person spoke each time and apparently they did not. Each monthly forum is based on something different with a different speak. That seems like a unique idea because who wants to listen to the same thing each month? I enjoyed being in a comfortable and respectable environment with people within the PLA.
There are many activities that the President’s Leadership Academy host on campus. During my research, I received some insight from someone within the PLA about what they do and how they execute it. A special event that this group participates in is Bowling Green State University’s Preview day. Their roles in the Preview day do not happen consecutively every year, but it has happened more than once. Students in the PLA are asked to host a one-day seminar for middle and high school students. This activity is meant to display servant leadership and teach students your knowledge on leadership as a college student. A lot of the activities they participate in pertain to community outreach. Someone who enjoys getting involved with their community would be passionate about this.
After talking with a PLA Scholar I learned what it is to feel like being in PLA rather than viewing the organization from the outside. One freshman scholar explained how strong the support system is within the PLA. There are other scholars and staff members that are there to help get you through any problems you may be facing. As a freshman college it can be difficult for some people to adjust to the different environment. They even expressed their appreciation for these resources as well.