Sidney A. Ribeau President's Leadership Academy

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Sidney A. Ribeau President's Leadership Academy

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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 cohort 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.

10/20/2026

Reliving pal introductions on repeat🧡🪩 pal

10/11/2026

This past Friday, all 130 of our current scholars had the opportunity to hear from and speak to Dr. Sidney A. Ribeau and Dr. Paula Whetsel-Ribeau. On campus for Dr. Whetsel-Ribeau’s recognition as a 2026 inductee into the BGSU Athletic Hall of Fame, they spent time speaking with our students about the success of the program, their dream for the future of the program, and their belief in our youth. We are so grateful for the time spent together and are proud to carry President Ribeau’s legacy forward.

10/05/2026

hope you’re having a relaxing fall break… here’s what we’ve been up to 🧡🍂🦅

07/13/2026

Moments from week one of Summer Program ✨🧡

07/07/2026

What’s a of a PLA scholar over the summer? Follow along with Ava Bockrath (2024 Cohort) as she takes us through her summer routine! What are you up to this summer?

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.

Address

Bowling Green, OH
43403

Telephone

+14193729623

Website

http://www.bgsu.edu/pla

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