Sidney A. Ribeau President's Leadership Academy

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Sidney A. Ribeau President's Leadership Academy

The PLA is a four-year leadership development program that engages scholars in classes, workshops, experiential learning, and community service activities.

Former BGSU President Sidney A. Ribeau (1995-2008) had a vision for the University-- to prepare BGSU students to lead with integrity and make meaningful contributions to society during their student years and in their professions and communities as alumni. In 1997, Dr. Ribeau's vision became a reality with the establishment of the President's Leadership Academy (PLA). In Fall 1998, the first cohor

t of students committed to developing their leadership skills were selected for the PLA. In Spring 2009, the University’s Board of Trustees honored the former president’s initiative by renaming the program the Sidney A. Ribeau President’s Leadership Academy. Today, PLA scholars from a variety of disciplines and geographic locations strive to ensure Dr. Ribeau's vision. To cultivate their leadership skills, PLA scholars follow a curriculum that engages them in classes, workshops, experiential learning, and community service activities. The curriculum is structured to focus on specific targeted outcomes, with each year’s experiences building on those of the previous year. Additionally, the Sidney A. Ribeau President’s Leadership Academy is a vehicle for personal growth and support. The PLA offers many opportunities for students to expand their horizons to learn not only about leadership, but also about culture, other people, and themselves. Furthermore, the Sidney A. Ribeau President’s Leadership Academy encourages its students to take on leadership roles across campus. In these roles, they can share their experiences and cultivate their life-learning skills with other emerging campus leaders. The Sidney A. Ribeau President’s Leadership Academy Program is steeped in the theory of servant-leadership, a practical philosophy that supports people who choose to serve first, and then to lead as a way of expanding service to individuals and institutions. Servant-leadership encourages collaboration, trust, foresight, listening, and the ethical use of power and empowerment. Servant-leaders are inclusive and may or may not hold formal leadership positions. The PLA enrolls approximately 15-30 new students annually, resulting in a total of 80-100 students matriculating per year. Awardees receive a renewable scholarship up to the cost of in-state instructional (tuition) and general fees.

06/18/2026

As we conclude our celebration of award recipients from the Sidney A. Ribeau President’s Leadership Academy Annual Banquet and Senior Colloquium, we recognize the program’s highest honor: the Outstanding Student Leader Award.

This award celebrates scholars who demonstrate exceptional leadership, service, and impact during their time at Bowling Green State University.

This year’s recipients are Hannah Super (2022 Cohort) and Tristan Bolden (2022 Cohort).

Hannah has dedicated over 500 hours to service while leading across campus in roles such as Resident Mentor and LEAD 1000 Peer Facilitator for the PLA and President of the University Dance Alliance. Hannah has also led three Bowling Green Alternative Break trips and served as Freddie and Frieda Falcon during the 2025-2026 Academic Year.

Tristan has made a lasting impact as founder and President of Topsoil BG and through leadership roles including MEDLIFE president, campus tour guide, and PLA Recruitment Intern. Tristan also dedicated time as the Secretary for the Voices of BGSU and runway model for XFactor.

Please join us in celebrating these outstanding leaders and their lasting contributions.

06/16/2026

As we continue highlighting award recipients from the Sidney A. Ribeau President’s Leadership Academy Annual Banquet and Senior Colloquium, we’re proud to recognize the Robert & Ellen Thompson Servant Leadership Award recipient, Rylan Brown.

This award honors individuals who embody servant leadership through a sustained commitment to others.

Rylan exemplifies that mission through impactful leadership and service. Rylan serves as the President of Omicron Delta Kappa, treasurer and former president of the Career Tech Student Association, a member of the Order of Omega, and Historian and former service chair in his fraternity, Alpha Tau Omega. His dedication to service is illustrated through his efforts as a co-coordinator for Bowling Green Alternative Breaks, through his active alumni presence in DECA, and through his selection as a Newman Civic Fellow… a national recognition of student leaders committed to civic engagement and long-term community impact.

Rylan was also recently recognized as Greek Man of the Year and the recipient of the Mike and Sara Kuhlin Award for Exceptional Student Leadership.

Please join us in celebrating Rylan’s continued impact as a servant leader.

06/13/2026

As we continue recognizing awardees from the Sidney A. Ribeau President’s Leadership Academy Annual Banquet and Senior Colloquium, we are proud to present the Friend of the PLA Award.

This award honors an individual who has made a meaningful impact on the PLA through their support, mentorship, and commitment to student success.

This year’s recipient, Adrienne Ausdenmoore, has played an instrumental role in uplifting and supporting PLA scholars, leaving a lasting mark on the program. Building on PLA’s early integration of life design beginning in 2019, she immediately engaged as a collaborator and thought partner, recognizing both the potential and the progress already underway. Volunteering her time alongside her team to co-create a design thinking and leadership curriculum for the PLA summer program and has continued to teach in the years since.

Thanks to Adrienne, our scholars leave with a strong foundation in design thinking and a deeper sense of agency in shaping their college experience.

We are grateful to Adrienne for her continued partnership and impact.

06/10/2026

Our next awardee feature from the Annual Banquet and Senior Colloquium is the recipient of the Randy Gardner Award for Civic Leadership for the Public Good, Jamie Chester.

This award honors a scholar who demonstrates a strong commitment to civic engagement and creating positive change in their community.

Jamie embodies a kind, calm, and wise presence that has been consistent across her four years at BGSU. As a leader, Jamie has the best in mind for her cohort, takes in everyone’s perspectives, and tackles any project with her full potential. She is dedicating her future to serving students in the classroom through music education.

Please join us in celebrating Jamie.

06/08/2026

As part of our continued celebration of award recipients from the Sidney A. Ribeau President’s Leadership Academy Annual Banquet and Senior Colloquium, we recognize this year’s Cohort Award recipients.

This award honors one scholar from each cohort who demonstrates leadership, engagement, and commitment to the values of the PLA.

This year’s four recipients, Tyler McCrackins, Emily Genson, Brendan Jameson, and Tahlia Ray, have each made a meaningful impact within their cohorts and across the broader PLA community through their involvement, leadership, and dedication to growth.

Please join us in congratulating these outstanding scholars.

06/05/2026

As we continue celebrating award recipients from the Sidney A. Ribeau President’s Leadership Academy Annual Banquet and Senior Colloquium, we recognize the Julie Ann Snyder Legacy Award.

This award honors a scholar who has made a lasting impact on the PLA through their leadership, character, and commitment to others.

This year’s recipient, Skylar Dixon, has demonstrated a legacy of meaningful involvement and service, leaving a positive and lasting influence on the PLA community. She demonstrates genuine care for the people she interacts with and takes the time to uplift, mentor, and support her peers. Balancing her academics, leadership roles, and personal passions, Skylar has served as a Resident Assistant, Vice President of Marketing for University Activities Organization, and Choreographer for University Dance Alliance.

Congratulations to Skylar.

06/03/2026

As part of our continued recognition of award recipients from the Sidney A. Ribeau President’s Leadership Academy Annual Banquet and Senior Colloquium, we honor the Johnnie L. Lewis Book Scholarship recipient.

Named in honor of a champion for dedication to the program, this scholarship supports scholars who demonstrate commitment directly to the PLA.

This year's awardee, Elijah Ackles, has used their voice to move initiatives forward, and to spread school spirit. Whether he is cheering on his peers in reaching their goals, or strolling around campus building new relationship, this scholar’s impact is evident in the way he actively engages in the PLA and across campus.

Please join us in celebrating Elijah.

05/31/2026

To kick off our highlights of awardees from the Sidney A. Ribeau President’s Leadership Academy Annual Banquet and Senior Colloquium, we first recognize the PLA Alumni Society Book Scholarship recipient.

This scholarship supports PLA scholars in their academic journey, reflecting the continued investment of alumni in current students.

This year’s recipient, Luke Halsey, has demonstrated strong academic dedication and active involvement within the PLA and campus community, embodying the values of leadership and lifelong learning. Serving as the PLA's event manager, on the PLA social committee, as Secretary and Scholarship Chair for Alpha Tau Omega, their compassion and strong sense of responsibility make a listing difference. Specifically, Luke's dedication as scholarship chair for Alpha Tau Omega led to his chapter having the highest GPA of all fraternities on campus.

Congratulations to Luke on this well-deserved recognition.

05/29/2026

At the conclusion of each academic year, the Sidney A. Ribeau President's Leadership Academy hosts its annual Banquet and Senior Colloquium. Recognizing students and partners who have achieved excellence over the course of the year, the annual event highlights excellence in leadership, collaboration, service, and integrity amongst the 113 scholars, campus partners, and stakeholders.

In the coming weeks, we look forward to featuring this year’s honorees. We invite you to follow along and join us in celebrating the meaningful contributions our scholars and partners continue to make on campus and beyond.

05/07/2026

Last week, PLA scholars celebrated our final forum of the year. This April forum was also the last one that the senior cohort scholars will attend, and it was a fabulous one. During forum each senior scholar was personally recognized by their one-on-one advisors and was able to give a final kudos. It is safe to say that this forum was filled with lots of fun, hugs, tears, and laughs. We are incredibly proud of all our scholars for making this a wonderful year of forums, and while we are sad to see the seniors go, we are excited to see what other amazing things are ahead of them!

Address

Bowling Green, OH
43403

Telephone

+14193729623

Website

http://www.bgsu.edu/pla

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