Assistant Director

Don Johnson

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

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.

LAST YEAR EXPERIENCE

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:

LEADERSHIP AND ORGANIZATION DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES

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:

1. Help you develop your skills in order to more effectively lead within the OSU community
2. Support the development of your student organization in ways that allow it to run affectively and acheive and accomplish organization goals.

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

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PHILOSOPHY

The Leadership Development Center operates with the following guiding principles:

• A focus on IDENTITY DEVELOPMENT
  • Distinguishing characteristics of the individual.
  • Acknowledging ones perception of their identity as reflected in their own eyes and in the eyes of others.
• Guided by the concepts of SERVANT LEADERSHIP
  • A desire to serve first and then a conscious choice to lead.
  • Nurture and support others before leading.
  • By placing “leading” first, there is a tendency to support power and/or material objects.
• Anchored by THE SOCIAL CHANGE MODEL
  • Individual values
  • Group value
  • Community values
• Using the mechanism of the LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
  • An organization/facility designed to assist in identifying university wide resources for the understanding of identity and development of the servant leader.
  • This can include current and new workshops, classes, coaching, mentoring or access to the myriad of leadership opportunities existing around the university.
  • Illuminating the choice of leadership moments.
  • This office will maintain a Research and Assessment component.

2013 Art of Leadership Conference

The Art of Leadership Conference: Networking, Connections for a Brighter Future

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.

REGISTRATION IS Now Closed. However a limited number of walk-ins will be allowed. Feel free to stop by the MU at 10:45 on February 23rd, and we will do our best to accomadate. 

Join our LinkedIn group to stay connected with the conference:

Join LinkedIn group

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). 

 Conference Schedule at a Glance

Conference Break Out Session List

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. 

Registration for Leadership Conference Completed

Thank you for completing the Leadership Conference registration.

You should recieve an email in a day or two.

STUDENT DEVELOPMENT SEMINAR

The Student Development Seminar is an annual retreat held each summer for students interested in exploring their life goals and leadership identity.

Seminar Signature
The focus of the Student Development Seminar is the enhancement of skills that will assist you as you become a significant contributor in the world. The seminar poses questions and presents issues that challenge assumptions and help strengthen intellectual resources.

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.

On Leadership
The world is in great need of leadership. In order to provide leadership, we must manage our own character, integrity, acts, words and wisdom. Join us for a study of leadership, values and creativity.

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.

Student Community Symposium

          …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.

2012-2013 Peer Leadership Consultants

(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:

• 4-H
• Collegiate FFA
• Student Leadership and Involvement
• Variety of non-profit organizations

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:

• Hip Hop Student Association
• FeelGood at OSU
• Student Leadership and Involvement

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:

• ASOSU
• Healthy campus Initiatives
• Implementation Group and Mini-Grants Committee
• KBVR
• OSU Beaver Consultants
• OSU Disk Golf Club
• Student Alumni Association
• Board of Directors

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:

• Member of Peer Health Advocates
• Member of OSU Women’s Choir, Belle Voce

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:

• OSU Lab research
• Life Science Club
• Sexual Health Advisory Group
• Peer Health Advocates.
• Mortar Board Senior Honors Society
• Center for Leadership Development

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:

• Speech and Debate
• Contemporary Questions
• Economics Club

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!

2013 Art of Leadership Conference

The Art of Leadership Conference: Networking, Connections for a Brighter Future

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. 

REGISTRATION Is Now Closed. 

Join our LinkedIn group to stay connected with the conference:

Join LinkedIn group

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). 

 Conference Schedule at a Glance

Conference Break Out Session List

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

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.

Bridget Phillips

Name: Bridget Phillips
Major: General Science/Pre-Dental
Year: Graduating Senior

Bridget Phillips is currently a student coordinator for Peer Health Advocates and a co-president of BikeU. Bridget has been involved in Peer Health Advocat...es all four years she has been in college. Peer Health Advocates is a peer-to-peer volunteer organization committed to enhancing the health of the Oregon State community through outreach events. The student coordinators lead campus activities designed to raise awareness about college health issues and promote safe behaviors.

One of Bridget’s favorite projects was working on the World AIDS Day Red Dress Fashion Show. It is collaboration between Peer Health Advocates, OSU Fashion Organization, FACE AIDS, and Valley AIDS Information Network with the intent to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS. It was a fun event for Bridget because it was a large event, she got to work with different student groups, and it was for a good cause.

Coming to college Bridget’s main goal was to learn. She also wanted to grow into her adult persona by becoming an independent, fully functioning, healthy individual. During this time Bridget’s Mom has been her greatest inspiration. Bridget strives to be like her because she takes the leadership role in everything she does. Bridget would define leadership as, “empowering others to lead in their own way.”

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.

CLASSES

Emerging Leaders

•  See class details

College Life

• See class details

The Last Year Experience

• See class details

Everyday Leaders

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]

Leadership Spotlight

Leadership Spotlight

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.

The Portfolio: Defining Your Path After College

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

Why a Portfolio?

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:

• Increase your confidence and organizational skills as you near the end of your college career
  • You will have a greater ability to develop a focus for employment, graduate school or personal development.
• Provide a format for you to better define and share your college experience
  • This includes academic, co-curricular and social experiences
• Help you define relevant information and formats for resumes, cover letters, and graduate school applications
• Prepare you to articulate your experiences more explicitly as you interview for a position
• Help you define evidence of your skills in various competencies

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:

• provide you with an advisor who will offer guidance
• help you identify information on what include in your portfolio
• inform and advise on experiences for you to consider
• create professional looking documents
• serve as your “college office” - a space for maintaining materials throughout your college career
• encourage you with occasional reminders and opportunities to grow and update your portfolio

To begin…

1. Sign up online to talk with the Leadership Development Assistant (LDA) in the Center for Leadership Development
   • URL:  https://surveys.bus.oregonstate.edu/main.aspx?SurveyID=4865
2. Look for an email to confirm a time and location for the first meeting
3. Meet with the LDA during your designated time and location
   • Are you an Ecampus student? We can arrange for other ways to meet and discuss this program via Skype, telephone, or chat online. Make sure you let us know when you sign up.
4. The LDA will work with you to customize a plan for creating your portfolio. 
   • This plan will depend on you, including: your class standing (freshmen, senior, etc.), your experiences in college thus far, what you hope to do after college.

Additional Information on The Portfolio

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.

1. Synthesis of what I learned (or will learn) in college
   • This is a short reflection on what you learned in college or hope to gain throughout your remaining years in college.
2. Résumé, career goals, and branding yourself
   • We will help you to create a general résumé, a short written description of your career goals, and will explore the professional networking site LinkedIn.
3. Strength identification
   • You will take the StrengthsQuest® assessment to understand what your top 5 strengths are, what they mean to you, and how you can apply them throughout your life.
4. Telling your story
   • Create three ways to describe an experience you've had during an internship, group project, summer job, class work, or other experience following our proven formula that will help you to explain it best to future employers or graduate schools.