
The Center for Leadership Development in MU 203 is here to support the needs of the OSU students in identifying leadership opportunities. Our goal is to provide opportunities for students to explore their personal identity and develop their leadership skills and potential. Our office is located in Memorial Union 202/203. Please feel free to drop by or contact us if you have questions!
Assistant Director, Center for Leadership Development
Education:
Bachelors of Science – Southern Oregon University
Masters of Fine Arts – University of Puget Sound
Don Johnson has worked at Oregon State University for thirty-five years serving a variety of responsibilities within Student Affairs. Originally hired in 1976 to manage the Memorial Union Craft Center, Don later moved into the position of Assistant Director for Student Activities, working with student programs and organizations. In 1990 he became Assistant Director of the Memorial Union responsible for Programs, Marketing and Assessment. In more recent years Don has become the Assistant Director of the Center for Leadership Development with a focus on Identity Development, Team Development and Teaching. He teaches an undergraduate class – The Last Year Experience – which focus on post-college skills, and graduate classes in the College Student Services Administration program.
For the past eighteen years Don has administered the Student Development Seminar welcoming students around the country for a three day seminar which focuses on identity development. sdsmagic.com
Don is married to Sandra Hom, an Occupational Therapist and their son Taylor is in graduate school at University of North Carolina.
College Life is a 2 credit course offered in spring quarter and open to all students.
Course Overview
College life provides an opportunity for you to connect the dots between what you have learned in college with many other elements of your life, in order to enhance your understanding of self. Technical skills are essential in your life, but not having a sense of self renders those technical skills average.
This course will provide an opportunity to for you to investigate your identity through an examination of your college experience and a variety of life concerns your experience on a regular basis. Topics examined will be defining identity, the composition of everyday life, diversity on campus, health, peer relationships, family relationships, character development and understanding the soul.
The Last Year Experience is a two credit course for students of Junior and Senior standing during winter quarter.
Course Overview
This course is intended to provide you with skills and knowledge to better enhance your level of success upon graduation from college.
There are two parallel themes:
As a service to student organizations on the OSU campus, SLI staff in The Center for Leadership Development and the Student Events and Activities Center have developed a number of resources to support you as a leader and/or your student organization.
Our intentions are two fold:
Our Team of Peer Leadership Consultants are available to present and consult on a variety of leadership and organization development areas. Take a look at the workshop topics and tip sheets we currently have available and know that we are always open to working with you to customize any workshop or to develop new areas as needed.
Leadership and Organization Development Workshops
Leadership and Organization Development Workshop Request
Leadership and Organization Development Tip Sheets
Tipsheets from Workshops
Workshop Title - Tipsheet Associated with it
Miscellaneous Tipsheets
As a service to student organizations on the OSU campus, the Peer Leadership Consultants(PLCs) of the Student Leadership & Involvement staff are available to present on a variety of leadership and organization development workshops displayed below. If you would like a presentation on a topic not listed below, let us know. We may be able to tailor a session just for you.
To make arrangements for a workshop, please complete and submit a request at least 2 weeks in advance.
Click on workshop name below for more information about each workshop:
How to be a Juicy, Succulent Student Leader (1 hr)
A juicy, succulent leader is happy, creative, and well-balanced. This intereactive workshop explores various ways to introduce a bit more juiciness into our lives and leadership positions.
Communication and Conflict Resolution (1-1 1/2 hr)
Learn to be a better communicator and listener. Learn the 10 commandments to conflict resolution and how to deal with difficult conversations.
Click to Download Tipsheets from this Workshop Tipsheet 1 Tipsheet 2
Creating Your Organization's Mission and Vision (2 1/2 hr)
This workshop is designed for both new and existing organizations looking to invigorate their group and generate new passion around the organization’s purpose. Group members will work together to identify shared values and to create a shared mission or vision statement.
Ethics in Leadership and Decision Making (30 - 60 min)
Learn the principles to make sure your organization is ethical and has ethical leadership. Examine situations where ethical decisions need to be made, and learn what questions to ask yourself when making an ethical decision.
Facilitating Meetings and Conversations ( 15 - 30 min)
Learn the basics of running fun, productive meetings. Get it going, keep it going, and wrap it up.
Click to Download a Tipsheet from this Workshop Tipsheet 1
Get an overview of funding options for clubs and organizations on campus, including one-time and annual resources, and how to write an effective funding proposal.
Click to Download a Tipsheet from this Workshop Tipsheet 1
Leadership Styles and Group Dynamics (1 hr)
Learn about your leadership style, how to work with people that have different styles than your own, and why it is important to have people with different styles on the same team. You will also learn some tips on how to build a good team and the stages of group development.
Click to Download Tipsheets from this Workshop Tipsheet 1 Tipsheet 2
Who are you as a leader? Do you even see yourself as a leader? What kind of leader do you want to be? This thought-provoking session involves exploring various leadership models and philosophies, as well as your personal thoughts on what it means to be a leader, in order to answer these questions.
Motivating Group Members (15 - 60 min)
Frustrated with low energy and lack of commitment? We all experience moments when we’re not feeling very productive. Learn about different methods for motivating yourself and others.
Officer Transitions (15 - 30 min)
Instead of just leaving new officers to flounder and figure it out on their own, out-going officers can be helpful in setting things up for a successful transition. In this workshop you will learn how to pass on information about the history of the group, successes and challenges from the previous year, and projects that are still in progress. There will also be suggestions for how to help the new officers start off in the right direction.
Click to Download a Tipsheet from this Workshop Tipsheet 1
Recruitment, Retention and Motivation (30 - 60 min)
Get tips on how to recruit new members and keep the members you have.
Click to Download Tipsheets from this Workshop Tipsheet 1 Tipsheet 2 Tipsheet 3
Setting Goals and Expectations (15 - 30 min)
Successful groups are able to define what they want to accomplish and the steps they need to take to make it happen. Does your organization need some ideas on writing goals and/or expectations? Let us help you get your action plan started.
Click to Download Tipsheets from this Workshop Tipsheet 1 Tipsheet 2
Starting Out Right (3 part series)
Are you a new officer? Or are you part of a new organization? Are you overwhelmed with where to start? Being new can be challenging whether you are an incoming officer in an established organization on campus or a member of a brand new club. Your success will often depend on how well you start out. So why not do it right? Take this three-part series of workshops to learn about setting expectations, facilitating effective meetings, types of leadership, conflict resolution, finding campus resources, teambuilding, and much more!
Working with Committees (30 - 60 min)
Do you find it hard to delegate? Are the leaders in your organization always doing everything? Committees will allow your organization to be more productive, will allow members to choose activities that interest them, and can serve as training grounds for future leaders. Learn how to create and run effective committees with this workshop.
Click to Download Tipsheets from this Workshop Tipsheet 1 Tipsheet 2
To make arrangements for a workshop, please complete and submit a request at least 2 weeks in advance.
A juicy, succulent leader is happy, creative, and well-balanced. This intereactive workshop explores various ways to introduce a bit more juiciness into our lives and leadership positions.
Learn to be a better communicator and listener. Learn the 10 commandments to conflict resolution and how to deal with difficult conversations.
This workshop is designed for both new and existing organizations looking to invigorate their group and generate new passion around the organization’s purpose. Group members will work together to identify shared values and to create a shared mission or vision statement.
Learn the principles to make sure your organization is ethical and has ethical leadership. Examine situations where ethical decisions need to be made, and learn what questions to ask yourself when making an ethical decision.
Learn the basics of running fun, productive meetings. Get it going, keep it going, and wrap it up.
Get an overview of funding options for clubs and organizations on campus, including one-time and annual resources, and how to write an effective funding proposal.
Learn about your leadership style, how to work with people that have different styles than your own, and why it is important to have people with different styles on the same team. You will also learn some tips on how to build a good team and the stages of group development.
Who are you as a leader? Do you even see yourself as a leader? What kind of leader do you want to be? This thought-provoking session involves exploring various leadership models and philosophies, as well as your personal thoughts on what it means to be a leader, in order to answer these questions.
Frustrated with low energy and lack of commitment? We all experience moments when we’re not feeling very productive. Learn about different methods for motivating yourself and others.
Get tips on how to recruit new members and keep the members you have.
Successful groups are able to define what they want to accomplish and the steps they need to take to make it happen. Does your organization need some ideas on writing goals and/or expectations? Let us help you get your action plan started.
Are you a new officer? Or are you part of a new organization? Are you overwhelmed with where to start? Being new can be challenging whether you are an incoming officer in an established organization on campus or a member of a brand new club. Your success will often depend on how well you start out. So why not do it right? Take this three-part series of workshops to learn about setting expectations, facilitating effective meetings, types of leadership, conflict resolution, finding campus resources, teambuilding, and much more!
Do you find it hard to delegate? Are the leaders in your organization always doing everything? Committees will allow your organization to be more productive, will allow members to choose activities that interest them, and can serve as training grounds for future leaders. Learn how to create and run effective committees with this workshop.
Instead of just leaving new officers to flounder and figure it out on their own, out-going officers can be helpful in setting things up for a successful transition. In this workshop you will learn how to pass on information about the history of the group, successes and challenges from the previous year, and projects that are still in progress. There will also be suggestions for how to help the new officers start off in the right direction.
The Leadership Development Center operates with the following guiding principles:

Saturday, February 23, 2013 | 11:00 – 4:00 | OSU Memorial Union
The Art of Leadership Conference will focus on Networking: Connections for a Brighter Future. A keynote by Marlis Miller, and various breakout sessions will allow us to examine our leadership skills, and how we currently communicate with our colleauges, friends, and family in our current environment. The breakout session topics will focus both on the importance of leadership and the keys of how leadership can help lead to successful networking. We will spend the day exploring how to build connections in college, after college, and how to strengthen the connections you already have. Just for attending the entire conference, 3 OSU students will each win a $1000 scholarship.
The conference is FREE and lunch will be provided by Qdoba.
Join our LinkedIn group to stay connected with the conference:
Questions? Please contact: milan.laurent@oregonstate.edu
Students must be registered at Oregon State University for spring 2013 to win the scholarship. Student staff who work for the Memorial Union organization or Student Leadership & Involvement department are not eligible to win the scholarship(s).

| Time | Session | Room |
| 10:30am - 11:00am | Check-in & Refreshments | Memorial Union Lounge |
| 11:00am - 11:10am | Official Welcome | Memorial Union Ballroom |
| 11:10am - 12:00pm | Keynote speaker: Marlis Miller | Memorial Union Ballroom |
| 12:10pm - 1:00pm | Break Out Sessions #1 | Memorial Union (Various Rooms) |
| 12:10pm - 1:00pm | Lunch A (Qdoba) | Memorial Union Lounge |
| 1:10pm - 2:00pm | Break Out Sessions #2 | Memorial Union (Various Rooms) |
| 1:10pm - 2:00pm | Lunch B (Qdoba) | Memorial Union Lounge |
| 2:10pm - 3:00pm | Break Out Sessions #3 | Memorial Union (Various Rooms) |
| 3:10pm - 3:50pm | Neworking Q & A Panel | Memorial Union Ballroom |
| 3:50pm - 4:00pm | Scholarship Drawing and Close | Memorial Union Ballroom |
There will be three rounds of break out sessions: 12:10 pm -12:55 pm, 1:05pm -1:50pm, and 2:00pm -2:45pm. At registration, participants will be assigned to a lunch, and will have lunch (provided by Qdoba) during either session 1 or session 2.
Please see the list of sessions below. Room numbers will be provided on the day of the conference.
1. Title: “Networking in a Digital Age”
Focus on using media to help further your career goals and learn the proper etiquette to maintain professionalism online. Focused on the importance of social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter and how those outlets can be helpful or hurtful in your career search.
2. Title: "The Start Up of You!"
Focus on professional development, strategic goal setting and relationship building. An interactive workshop, with several activities designed to give you head start on your next move. (based on a book written by the co-founder of Linkedin)
3. Title: “Personal Branding & Professional Development”
Discover how to portray the correct image to employers and make yourself standout when applying for jobs. The importance of being a leader rather than a manager will be touched on and how to properly present yourself and make connections to further your career goals.
4. Title: “What's Next?”
Explore the question of “what’s next?”. Possible topics include: what to do to further yourself while you’re here on campus and how they can use the resources available to create connections for the future. Post-grad anxiety and how to deal with moving forward after college will also be addressed.
5. Title: “True Colors & How to Network for Your Personality"
Focus on your personal identity and values. Learn how you can use your strengths in networking and how networking can be altered for your personality. This break-out session includes skill-building on how you can randomly strike up conversations with people to further your goals.
The Student Development Seminar is an annual retreat held each summer for students interested in exploring their life goals and leadership identity.
The Why
The Student Development Seminar is an opportunity for you and other colleagues to explore life goals, leadership skills, professional values, and ethical integrity. The concept of creative thinking and the challenging of current assumptions will weave our conversation throughout the seminar.
The Environment
The Student Development Seminar is held on the magnificent grounds of the Menucha Retreat and Conference Center in Corbett, Oregon. Menucha, originally the summer home of Oregon’s Governor Meier, is set on a high bluff overlooking the Columbia River. With one hundred acres of lawn, woodlands, and gardens, Menucha is a place for study and reflection.
For more information, contact the staff of the Leadership Development Center or visit the Student Development Seminar website here.
…building community one Beaver at a time!
The Department of Leadership & Involvement invites you to attend the Student Community Symposiums! These interactive sessions are developed to provide leadership development opportunities for all students, while encouraging relationship-building across campus.

(From left to right: Edward Pham, Breanna Fraser-Hevlin, J.D. Walker,
Kylah Reynolds, Drew Hatlen, Arianna Palermini, and Nik Bowen)
Kylah Ann Reynolds
Senior
Agriculture Sciences & Business Management
Why are you a PLC?
I like being involved within the Oregon State community and I wanted to make sure it was something that I enjoyed doing. I love learning and practicing leadership, so I knew that this would be a great fit for me to become involved with fellow students who also love leadership and helping others.
Your definition of “leadership”:
I believe that there is no one definition for leadership. I do know that a good leader carries out his/her everyday tasks with passion and dedication; he/she sets goals to succeed and make a difference in whatever he/she does. A good leader has values and considers them in every decision while also being aware of others who are involved.
Involvement Background:
Career goal/ aspirations in life:
I want to connect my love for helping feed the world with my passion for making a difference within the community. I want to help bring education to poorer regions of the world and help establish sustainable agricultural practices in those communities
Edward Pham
Junior
Biology
Why are you PLC?
You get to work with diverse groups of people, which form a constantly growing network of friends. I love learning to teach and help my peers develop into informed leaders, and with this job I am provided with the opportunities to do so. This is also a great chance to see personal growth and development.
Your definition of “leadership”:
The ability to leave a comfortable environment to try something new. To acknowledge and take charge wherever and whenever it is needed, in conversation, group work, and life. This can be for forming leaders, helping the community, or bettering oneself.
Involvement Background:
Career goal/aspirations in life:
Goal is to become a medical (or philosophical) doctor, in hopes of discovering something great.
Leadership Super Power:
Leady senses – The ability to know when a person is facing an obstacle. And the power to help them overcome it!
Drew Hatlen
Senior
Double Major in Speech Communication & Political Science
Why are you a PLC?
I became a PLC to stay connected and grounded in the work that students are actively doing at OSU. I wanted an opportunity to give back to students and student organizations that give OSU a community feeling, where everyone can feel at home. That is why PLC work is so important to me; we are a wealth of resources to help any organization function at its fullest potential, for free!
Your definition of “leadership”:
Leadership comes in many shapes and sizes. It can be conscious or unconscious, apparent or overt, active or passive. Anyone can be a leader in their own lives and that of others. In fact, I would bet that every person is a leader in eyes of someone else. Even if it is small act of courtesy like holding a door open or just saying "Please" and "Thank you". That sort of behavior is leading by example.
Leadership doesn't need to be defined as always taking charge in every situation, but instead be positively embodied in everyday behavior and being conscious of our impact on others.
"If we can redefine leadership, we can change everything." -Drew Dudley
Involvement Background:
Career goal/ aspirations in life:
I hope to have a lifetime of service. After that, a fulfilling a lifetime of travel and experience, continually learning and imparting knowledge, bettering the world in which we all live.
If you had a leadership super power, what would you want it to be (or what is it)?
I would be Captain Positivity! There is only a rare moment when I do not have a smile plastered across my face or replying with anything less "Wonderful!" when asked how I'm doing. I would hope to be able to more purposefully and directly spread optimism through superhero-like positive onomatopoeia. “BAM!"
Breanna Fraser-Hevlin
Junior
Double major in Public Health and Human Development & Family Sciences
Why are you a PLC?
I am a PLC because I am passionate about leadership and developing my skills and abilities to become a more effective leader among my peers and in the community.
Your definition of “Leadership”:
I view leadership as a way to motivate and inspire myself and others to take action and facilitate positive change in an effective, creative, and inclusive manner.
Involvement Background:
Career goal/ aspirations in life:
It is my goal to graduate with a Bachelors of Science at Oregon State University and attend graduate school in Canada and earn a Masters of Public Health. I would also like to develop and implement health promotion campaigns that focus on prevention and encourage healthy behaviors. At some point I would like to work in South America in a public health organization.
If you had a leadership super power, what would you want it to be (or what is it)?
Icebreaker genius - the ability to “break the ice” with any group or person; anytime, anyplace, anywhere.
Arianna Palermini
Senior
Public Health (Health Behavior/Health Promotion)
Why are you a PLC?
I wanted to further develop my leadership abilities by becoming a PLC. It is a nice feeling to give back to the OSU community and keep up to date with all the different organizations. I feel that this job has taught me how to effectively lead groups and given me many important skills that I will carry with me after college.
Your definition of “Leadership”:
Leadership is the ability to inspire teamwork to a higher level through the never ending development of education and life experiences.
Involvement Background:
Career Goal/ aspiration in life:
I aspire to become a doctor and work in the field of preventative medicine or infectious disease. This part of medicine is often overlooked, but majoring in public health has opened my eyes to the importance of prevention and how it contributes to a healthy population.
If you had a leadership super power, what would you want it to be (or what is it)?
Omnicompetence, which would allow me to handle any situation by solving internal conflicts quickly
J.D. Walker
Senior
Economics
Why are you a PLC?
I wanted to find a way to get involved. Talking to people about leadership around campus has given me a great feeling of giving back to the OSU community.
Your definition of “leadership”:
Taking action to support an organization or cause that’s larger than yourself.
Involvement background:
Career goal/aspirations in life:
I want to work in public policy and the management of local government.
If you had a leadership super power, what would you want it to be (or what is it)?
Always knowing the right thing to do.
Nik Bowen
Graduated, but still awesome!

Saturday, February 23, 2013 | 11:00 – 4:00 | OSU Memorial Union
The Art of Leadership Conference will focus on Networking: Connections for a Brighter Future. A keynote by Marlis Miller, and various breakout sessions will allow us to examine our leadership skills, and how we currently communicate with our colleauges, friends, and family in our current environment. The breakout session topics will focus both on the importance of leadership and the keys of how leadership can help lead to successful networking. We will spend the day exploring how to build connections in college, after college, and how to strengthen the connections you already have. Just for attending the entire conference, 3 OSU students will each win a $1000 scholarship.
The conference is FREE and lunch will be provided by Qdoba.
Join our LinkedIn group to stay connected with the conference:
Questions? Please contact the Center for Leadership Development
Students must be registered at Oregon State University for spring 2013 to win the scholarship. Student staff who work for the Memorial Union organization or Student Leadership & Involvement department are not eligible to win the scholarship(s).

| Time | Session | Room |
| 10:30am - 11:00am | Check-in & Refreshments | Memorial Union Lounge |
| 11:00am - 11:10am | Official Welcome | Memorial Union Ballroom |
| 11:10am - 12:00pm | Keynote speaker: Marlis Miller | Memorial Union Ballroom |
| 12:10pm - 1:00pm | Break Out Sessions #1 | Memorial Union (Various Rooms) |
| 12:10pm - 1:00pm | Lunch A (Qdoba) | Memorial Union Lounge |
| 1:10pm - 2:00pm | Break Out Sessions #2 | Memorial Union (Various Rooms) |
| 1:10pm - 2:00pm | Lunch B (Qdoba) | Memorial Union Lounge |
| 2:10pm - 3:00pm | Break Out Sessions #3 | Memorial Union (Various Rooms) |
| 3:10pm - 3:50pm | Neworking Q & A Panel | Memorial Union Ballroom |
| 3:50pm - 4:00pm | Scholarship Drawing and Close | Memorial Union Ballroom |
There will be three rounds of break out sessions: 12:10 pm -12:55 pm, 1:05pm -1:50pm, and 2:00pm -2:45pm. At registration, participants will be assigned to a lunch, and will have lunch (provided by Qdoba) during either session 1 or session 2.
Please see the list of sessions below. Room numbers will be provided on the day of the conference.
1. Title: “Networking in a Digital Age”
Focus on using media to help further your career goals and learn the proper etiquette to maintain professionalism online. Focused on the importance of social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter and how those outlets can be helpful or hurtful in your career search.
2. Title: "The Start Up of You!"
Focus on professional development, strategic goal setting and relationship building. An interactive workshop, with several activities designed to give you head start on your next move. (based on a book written by the co-founder of Linkedin)
3. Title: “Personal Branding & Professional Development”
Discover how to portray the correct image to employers and make yourself standout when applying for jobs. The importance of being a leader rather than a manager will be touched on and how to properly present yourself and make connections to further your career goals.
4. Title: “What's Next?”
Explore the question of “what’s next?”. Possible topics include: what to do to further yourself while you’re here on campus and how they can use the resources available to create connections for the future. Post-grad anxiety and how to deal with moving forward after college will also be addressed.
5. Title: “True Colors & How to Network for Your Personality"
Focus on your personal identity and values. Learn how you can use your strengths in networking and how networking can be altered for your personality. This break-out session includes skill-building on how you can randomly strike up conversations with people to further your goals.
2013 Leadership Spotlight Series
The Student Leader Spotlight Series is written by Peer Leadership Consultants in the Center for Leadership Development to recognize the many wonderful students who are doing great things on campus. If you have a suggestion for a Student Leader that should be featured, let us know. Stop by the Center for Leadership Development (MU 203) or email us at getinvolved@oregonstate.edu.

Name: Jaina McGregor
Major: Business Information Systems
Year: Graduating Senior
Jaina has been involved in many things at Oregon State throughout her college career, and currently she is a member of the Dean’s Student Leadership Circle, Business Solutions Group. She also works as a Student Support Technician Supervisor in the College of Business, and is part of the new OSU Leadership Certificate program. In the Dean’s Student Leadership Circle, Jaina has the opportunity to advise the Dean of Business on issues concerning the college. As a Student Analyst for the Business Solutions Group, Jaina gets experience overseeing software testing operations by writing and running test plans, while monitoring test progress, results, and defects. For her job as a Student Support Technician Supervisor, she works with around 20 employees and is responsible for monitoring job performance. She leads by example and encourages employees to maintain positive attitudes while working.
When Jaina started her life at OSU she had practical goals; she wanted to explore technology and find out more about the field she was interested in. She gained a lot of practical experience and professional development by attending networking events, participating in the Leadership Certificate Program, and was recognized for her leadership by being nominated for a leadership honors society. This year she received the National Engaged Leader Award which acknowledges individuals who demonstrate dedication and commitment to both the leadership honor society and their communities.
Robert Mayes had the most impact on Jaina when she took BA 407, Think Like a Leader. She had the unique opportunity to interact with CEO’s. She used practical applications of business skills while thinking through evaluation of real-life scenarios and pondering the question, “what would I do?” This class allowed her to grow professionally by increasing her self-confidence and public speaking skills. Jaina suggests that people wanting to develop their leadership abilities should try joining a club and pursuing an officer position to really gain insight into the inner-workings of club management, public speaking, and many other useful life skills.
The Student Leader Spotlight Series is written by Peer Leadership Consultants in the Center for Leadership Development to recognize the many wonderful students who are doing great things on campus. If you have a suggestion for a Student Leader that should be featured, let us know. Stop by the Center for Leadership Development (MU 203) or email us at getinvolved@oregonstate.edu.
Name:
Jesseanne Pope
Major: Liberal Studies (Leadership Minor)

Name: Justin McDaniels
Major: Political Science (International Relations)
Year: Junior
Justin is currently a Community Relations Facilitator for University Housing and Dinning Services, a member of the Pride Panel, and working on the Love Your Body Campaign. As a Community Relations Facilitator, Justin provides social justice programs for residents living on campus. He is also responsible for keeping in contact with the Black Cultural Center and attending their events.
The Love Your Body Campaign was started on the Oregon State University campus by Justin and Brenda Dao. They are currently campaigning for self-acceptance, appreciation, and empowerment by providing the OSU community with activities that promote the campaign’s ideals. The topics that have been covered include issues concerning nutrition, race, size, shape, gender, abilities, eating disorders, diets, and fitness. It was originally a program for the residence halls, but they are now working with ASOSU to make it a university-wide campaign.
Justin’s goal as a college student has been to make a positive impact, and do something great for the community. He will be next year’s Residence Hall Association President and plans to be extremely devoted to his position. Teresita Alvarez, University Housing and Dining Services’ Assistant and the Director for Diversity Initiatives and Programs, has greatly influenced Justin as a leader because she is constantly challenging Community Relations Facilitators to think outside the box and make an impact. Justin would define leadership as, “the ability and passion to create positive change.”
The Student Leader Spotlight Series is written by Peer Leadership Consultants in the Center for Leadership Development to recognize the many wonderful students who are doing great things on campus. If you have a suggestion for a Student Leader that should be featured, let us know. Stop by the Center for Leadership Development (MU 203) or email us at getinvolved@oregonstate.edu.
Name: Ngoc Nguyen 
Degree: Psychology and General Science/Pre-Pharmacy
Year: Graduating Senior
Ngoc is currently participating in the Leadership Certificate Program which focuses on individual, group, and community development. Ngoc is r...equired to complete a leadership project which was left very open ended. She decided to make a video about positive thinking. She wanted to create a video that uplifts people when they watch it. She is in the process of interviewing college students and asking them about their futures. Ngoc has been focusing on life stories and how people change to make the outcome positive.
Ngoc has been very ambitious academically, but she wanted to manage more than just school. Being a part of something worthwhile was very important to her. She currently is part of World Wide Dream Builders which is a business development group that focuses on leadership development.
Ngoc suggests students wanting to become a leader should start by being a reader. Once they develop a knowledge base they can work on applying what they have learned. Ngoc would define leadership as, “disciplining yourself to get rid of bad habits and pursuing the person you are meant to be.” She is thankful for every person in her life that made a wonderful impact on her thought process, attitude, and decision making simply by supporting her. The young woman suggests if you want to see potential release in a person, simply start by supporting them.
The Student Leader Spotlight Series is written by Peer Leadership Consultants in the Center for Leadership Development to recognize the many wonderful students who are doing great things on campus. If you have a suggestion for a Student Leader that should be featured, let us know. Stop by the Center for Leadership Development (MU 203) or email us at getinvolved@oregonstate.edu.

Name: Rhianna Taniguchi
Major: Psychology
Year: Graduating Senior
Rhianna is currently an ASOSU Senator, President of the Japanese American Student Association (JASA), the Events Coordinator for the Student Sustainability Initiative, Secretary of the Blood Drive Association, and a Board Member of the OSU Student Foundation. Currently she is working on three pieces of legislation in the ASOSU senate. She wants to support student parents by making Safe Ride more accessible, and also change the admissions policy to make standardized testing optional. Finally, she is working on making textbooks more accessible and affordable by increasing open access, rentals, and course reserves.
This year Rhianna re-founded JASA, which is affiliated with Leaders Empowering Asian Pacific-Islanders (LEAP) and International Students of OSU (ISOSU). They hosted their first cultural night on April 20th, during which students were invited to come together and learn about the history of Japanese Americans. They are also currently partnering with the Japanese American Citizen League to attend the JACL’s national conference in Washington, DC and represent OSU.
One of Rhianna’s favorite events on the OSU campus is the Blood Drive which happens every term. The OSU Blood Drive Association hosts the largest blood drive in the Pacific Northwest and is one of the largest volunteer driven events on campus. She loves the Blood Drive Association because its members are accountable, humble, and kind.
Ngoc Nguyen and Agustin Vaga-Peters have both had a tremendous impact on Rhianna as a leader. Both taught Rhianna to be responsible if she wants to change the world. According to Rhianna, “They truly lead by example and have great hearts.”
The Student Leader Spotlight Series is written by Peer Leadership Consultants in the Center for Leadership Development to recognize the many wonderful students who are doing great things on campus. If you have a suggestion for a Student Leader that should be featured, let us know. Stop by the Center for Leadership Development (MU 203) or email us at getinvolved@oregonstate.edu.
Emerging Leaders (2 credits)
Spring Term
AHE 499, CRN 58477
Wednesdays, 2-3:50pm
Instructor – Melissa Yamamoto
The new Emerging Leaders Course, designed for students new to leadership, aims to accomplish the following goals:
Contact Melissa Yamamoto (Melissa.Yamamoto@oregonstate.edu) with questions.
THE CENTER FOR LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT at Oregon State University is dedicated to nurturing opportunities for students to develop as leaders, become engaged participants in their own lives, and in the world beyond OSU. At the heart of our philosophy lies the unwavering belief that leadership is – quite simply put – doing something that matters in pursuit of creating a better self and a better world.
The Center staff supports students and student groups in their efforts to understand leadership, develop their personal strengths, understand how to maximize their group potential, and become active citizens in our democratic society. We believe that leadership can spring from any person, at any level of an organization, and through any form of positive change that is uniquely shaped across our diverse community. EverydayLEADERS gives a glimpse of student leadership at OSU directly through the lens of students.
From interviews conducted in fall 2010 by Mike Shingle, the book below describes how leadership has been defined through the student voice. Students tell their story about what it is that they do that makes a difference and how they are redefining student leadership at OSU.
everydayLEADERS, a book from the Center for Leadership Development, by Mike Shingle [pdf]
Student Leadership Spotlight of the Week 
Name: Jania McGregor
Major: Business Information Systems
Year: Graduating Senior
Jaina has been involved in many things at Oregon State throughout her college career, and currently she is a member of the Dean’s Student Leadership Circle, Business Solutions Group. She also works as a Student Support Technician Supervisor in the College of Business, and is part of the new OSU Leadership Certificate program. In the Dean’s Student Leadership Circle, Jaina has the opportunity to advise the Dean of Business on issues concerning the college. As a Student Analyst for the Business Solutions Group, Jaina gets experience overseeing software testing operations by writing and running test plans, while monitoring test progress, results, and defects. For her job as a Student Support Technician Supervisor, she works with around 20 employees and is responsible for monitoring job performance. She leads by example and encourages employees to maintain positive attitudes while working.
When Jaina started her life at OSU she had practical goals; she wanted to explore technology and find out more about the field she was interested in. She gained a lot of practical experience and professional development by attending networking events, participating in the Leadership Certificate Program, and was recognized for her leadership by being nominated for a leadership honors society. This year she received the National Engaged Leader Award which acknowledges individuals who demonstrate dedication and commitment to both the leadership honor society and their communities.
Robert Mayes had the most impact on Jaina when she took BA 407, Think Like a Leader. She had the unique opportunity to interact with CEO’s. She used practical applications of business skills while thinking through evaluation of real-life scenarios and pondering the question, “what would I do?” This class allowed her to grow professionally by increasing her self-confidence and public speaking skills. Jaina suggests that people wanting to develop their leadership abilities should try joining a club and pursuing an officer position to really gain insight into the inner-workings of club management, public speaking, and many other useful life skills.

Many will begin a career while others might choose to begin graduate school. The Center for Leadership Development will help you prepare for that next phase of your life by helping you create your Portfolio.
Sign up to begin your Portfolio by scheduling an appointment with the Leadership Development Assistant by filling out this form: https://surveys.bus.oregonstate.edu/main.aspx?SurveyID=4865
Potential employers and graduate programs are no longer satisfied with a list of accomplishments. More and more they want to know: What did you learn? The Portfolio will help you identify accomplishments, define what you learned and how you grew from experiences, and create ways in which you can best share and describe your valuable skills and talents as you head off to life after college.
The Portfolio is a collection of examples that illustrate experiences and knowledge gained during your college career. The Center for Leadership Development will work with you to design your portfolio.
Your Portfolio will:
How does it happen and who helps?
The earlier in your college career you begin your Portfolio - the better prepared you will be when you are a senior. In the Center for Leadership Development, we will work with you every step of the way to:
To begin…
The Leadership Development Assistant (LDA) will guide you through the process to create a portfolio. Below is additional information that may be helpful. These will all be discussed in greater detail during your meeting with the LDA.
Portfolio Chapters
You will have the opportunity to see several different portfolio examples, each one unique. Your Portfolio will be a collection of work (documents, artifacts, and other visuals) that is a genuine representation of who you are as a developing professional.
These are the categories (or competencies) in which employers believe that recent graduates should have skills and experiences. Take a look at the following categories that might help you to articulate your best examples of work in these areas.
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Teamwork |
Social responsibility & cultural competency |
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Initiate ideas within a team |
Individual and cultural differences |
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Cooperation and negotiation |
Demonstrate ethical behavior |
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Resolving conflict |
Responsible citizenship |
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Critical thinking |
Technical/scientific |
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Identify problems |
Software |
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Gather evidence through research |
Systems management |
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Quantitative analysis |
Lab science |
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Evaluating options |
internet |
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Leadership |
Creativity |
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Set direction and goals |
Artistic |
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Motivating others |
Literary |
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Project management |
Innovation |
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Personal Management |
Communication |
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Risk taking |
Writing |
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Adapting to change |
Presentation |
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Working independently |
Language |
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Coping with failure |
Verbal |
Here are several different examples of complete portfolios for you to view (available in April, 2012):
Please email don.johnson@oregonstate.edu if you have any questions regarding The Portfolio. To start your Portfolio today, please visit the link at the top of the page and fill out the form to schedule your first meeting with the Leadership Development Assistant.