The O'Daniel Leadership Academy was created by USI in honor of the late Joseph O'Daniel to recognize his dedication and leadership. O'Daniel was a foundational figure for USI, serving on its initial Board of Trustees for 10 years, including three as chair. He contributed to regional development and philanthropic causes, and was a Korean War veteran.
The Academy emphasizes cultivating and fostering leadership qualities, community improvement and building on Joseph O'Daniel's legacy of service.
The Emerging Leader is currently enrolled as a participant in the O'Daniel Leadership Academy and is completing the initial requirements to promote to Levels 2 and 3.
Minimum of five (5) community service hours over the duration of the Emerging Leader semester.
Be involved in at least one (1) student organization
Attend biweekly leadership workshops/meetings
Meet one-on-one with their assigned mentor twice per month
Submit project-based assignments
Emerging Leaders will receive a certificate of completion and will be promoted to the Mentor level at the O’Daniel Leadership Academy Recognition Ceremony.
The Mentor has completed the Level 1 Emerging Leader program requirements and will serve as a mentor to students participating in the First-Year Leadership Retreat (FYLR) or the Level 1 Emerging Leader program.
Minimum of ten (10) community service hours completed over the duration of their Mentor semesters.
Serve as a mentor in one of the following capacities:
Facilitate a small group at the First-Year Leadership Retreat (FYLR) held in the Fall semester
Attend FYLR over a weekend in late October
OR
Be assigned to mentor an Emerging Leader student during the Spring semester
Attend biweekly leadership workshops/meetings
Meet one-on-one with their mentee twice a month
Submit a capstone project proposal at the end of the semester
Mentors will receive training during a Summer Retreat on USI's Campus to prepare for the Mentorship assignments. Mentors will receive a lapel pin and will be promoted to the Leadership Capstone level at the O’Daniel Leadership Academy Recognition Ceremony.
A student at the Leadership Capstone level has completed the Level 1 Emerging Leader and Level 2 Mentorship requirements within the O'Daniel Leadership Academy. The Leadership Capstone is the students' opportunity to synthesize their learning throughout the program by completing a project of their choice, and demonstrating their achievement of program outcomes.
Complete the proposed capstone project (individual or group)
Minimum of fifteen (15) community service hours completed over the duration of their capstone semester.
Attend progress meetings with Student Life Office Staff
Create a presentation or poster detailing the capstone project, results and learning outcomes
Complete and submit an e-portfolio exhibiting achievement of the outcomes set by O'Daniel Leadership Academy.
Students at this level will present their project findings and receive a cord to wear during commencement at the O’Daniel Leadership Academy Recognition Ceremony.
