JCPenney Leadership Program

About the Program

The JCPenney Leadership Program at the Price College of Business, rooted in a rich tradition of excellence, strives to build leaders that fulfill the purpose of Price and are prepared for the diverse and global opportunities presented in the 21^st century. The program provides high performing undergraduate business students with opportunities to develop their leadership potential through a variety of learning and networking experiences. Promoting personal and professional growth, the program broadens students’ perspectives, strengthens business skills, and creates leaders in industries and communities across the nation and around the world. Upon completion of the program, students will have demonstrated that they:

Gained awareness of personal strengths and areas for improvement
Increased their knowledge and understanding of what makes a great leader
Understand the responsibilities of the leadership role
Gained direct experience as a leader
Increased capacities and confidence in a variety of soft-skill areas
Understand the significance of networking and establishing relationships
Internalized the importance of philanthropy

Eligibility Requirements

Requires a commitment of 5-10 hours every month with a larger commitment during the candidate process. Please be sure you can commit your time to this program before applying.

Eligibility criteria in order to apply

Applicants attend the Prospective Associate Information Session. These sessions are offered at the end of the Spring semester and beginning of the Fall semester.
Applicants must have attended college two full semesters or have earned at least 30 hours of credit with a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher. (You must have sophomore standing within Price College at OU)
Applicants must be enrolled full-time (12 hours) and maintain status as a Price College undergraduate major.

Applicants must have no less than four full semesters remaining before earning an undergraduate degree. (Students graduating prior to May 2026 are not eligible to apply).

Apply to the Program

Program Pillars

Our program is built and modeled upon six leadership pillars:

Scholarship

Academics are important to the associates in the program and displays the individual discipline, drive, and focus of our leaders.

Professionalism

This program equips college students with essential skills, bridging the gap between academics and the professional world.

Philanthropy

Effective leaders are attuned to others' needs. The leadership program fosters an understanding of the value and rewards of service.

Integrity

The program emphasizes honesty, ethics, and integrity in leadership and personal conduct, fostering trust and respect in all areas of life.

Fellowship

The leadership program actively fosters connections among associates, alumni, business leaders, local and state communities, and the faculty and staff of OU Price College of Business.

Community

Students develop a basic understanding of other cultures and an openness toward them, enabling effective adaptation in the global business environment.

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Program Events

A speaker addressing the audience from a podium at the front of the room.

Alumni Career Conference

A dynamic learning and networking event that brings together JCPenney Leadership alumni and students from all industries and career stages. Featuring panels and real-world insights, all led by JCPenney alumni, this annual conference offers a powerful opportunity to grow, connect, and give back to the community.

Alumni Conference Details

Women in Business Leadership

An inclusive, high-energy conference featuring panels, keynotes, and networking focused on empowering future professionals. Open to all students, the event encourages dialogue, connection, and leadership growth across gender lines. Hosted annually by the JCPenney Leadership Program.

WIBL Conference Details

Two professionally dressed students welcome guests to the conference.

Parker Leadership Conference

An immersive experience where OU students tackle real business issues, connect with inspiring speakers, and grow as confident, critical-thinking leaders. Sponsored by the Parker Leadership Development Fund, the conference also supports a variety of student-led leadership initiatives across campus.

Parker Conference Details

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