Established by the Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences Board of Visitors in 1996, the Leadership Scholars program recognizes the brightest and most involved students in the college.
Leadership Scholars brings students together from a variety of backgrounds, academic disciplines and experiences for the purpose of expanding their leadership education. During bi-weekly meetings, students learn about important aspects of leadership, including ethics, volunteerism, diversity, personal responsibility and other topics.
Sophomores and juniors within the College are invited to apply for the Withrow Leadership Scholars during an annual recruitment drive each August.
The program brings students together from a variety of backgrounds, academic disciplines and experiences for the purpose of expanding their leadership education. The program is based on three pillars: leadership, service, and community. During bi-weekly meetings, students learn about important aspects of leadership, including ethics, volunteerism, diversity, personal responsibility and other topics. By learning and serving together, Leadership Scholars gain a stronger sense of their own leadership philosophies and styles.
Membership in Withrow Leadership Scholars is a highly selective process. Interested students may apply on the OU Engage Withrow Leadership Scholars' page beginning the first three weeks of each fall semester. Students must have at least a 3.50 cumulative grade point average to be eligible for the program, and those who demonstrate financial need will be eligible for scholarship support.
The cornerstone of the Withrow Leadership Scholars is an annual study abroad program to Clermont-Ferrand, France, a sister city of Norman, Oklahoma. During their time abroad, students are enrolled in a course entitled “Leadership and Service Abroad: Virtues in Community.” The premise of this course is that service learning in a geographic location outside their comfort zone is a meaningful method for enhancing student leadership.
During this 2-week course, students participate in a significant study abroad service learning experience that will enhance their leadership ability and engagement when they return to the University of Oklahoma and College of Arts and Sciences communities. The study abroad excursions are augmented with readings and writing focused on the Intellectual, Executive, and Civic virtues identified by the Institute for the Study of Human Flourishing at OU.
Another important component of the Withrow Leadership Scholars Program is the link between successful alumni, friends of the College, and the students in the program, helping them become the next generation of leaders. Alumni and scholars are paired up for a unique mentoring relationship. Successful both personally and professionally, many of our alumni generously provide scholarships for students who demonstrate financial need.
