Lead Sooner is an annual eight (8) month leadership development program that engages up to twenty-four (24) university leaders across all OU campuses to enhance their leadership skills. Those accepted into the program will develop close professional relationships with their cohort members, volunteer in their community, and learn from and network with other leaders within the university. Through the program, participants experience self-improvement that enhances their leadership skills, creating a foundation for continuous personal and professional growth. Lead Sooner is committed to providing a program that is accessible to the widest possible audience.
Learning & Development
Human Resources
(405) 271-2180
learninganddevelopment@ouhsc.edu
Applicants must meet the below criteria to be considered for Lead Sooner:
The 2026/2027 session will run from August 2026 - April 2027.
Those who are accepted to Lead Sooner are expected to attend ALL sessions. Please do not apply if you cannot attend all sessions. Missing more than 3 hours (cumulative) will result in the participant being removed from the program. Note: Failure to attend all sessions will result in dismissal and the employee's department will incur a $135 fee.
In addition to in-person sessions, members of Lead Sooner will be required to complete interpersonal tasks and assignments in between meetings including but not limited to:
Assessments: Particularly at the beginning of the program, participants will complete assessments that will be the foundation of developing their leadership skills and understanding.
Reflections: Participants will be required to submit written reflections on different topics and discussion points presented in sessions. Presentations will be expected by members throughout the sessions, based on specific session topics.
Community Service Activity: Participants will participate in a community service activity with the Feed the Children facility in Oklahoma City.
Challenge Day: Participants will participate in a Challenge Course comprised of a combination of outdoor and indoor physical activities at OAR (Outdoor Adventure Recreation) in Edmond. The activities are accessible to all ability levels.
Please apply here: https://qualtrics.ou.edu/jfe/form/SV_3Vs3MJzjCfkPP8y
Applications close on August 3rd, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
| Dates | Session | Time |
| 2026 Dates | ||
| Friday, August 28th | Welcome Session (Norman Campus) | (9:00 - 1:00) |
| Friday, September 25th | Leadership Styles & Vulnerability (Online) | (1:00 - 5:00) |
| Friday, October 23rd | Team Building (UCO Boathouse) | (9:00 - 3:00) |
| Friday, December 4th | Flexibility & Adaptability as Leader (Online) | (1:00 - 5:00) |
| 2027 Dates | ||
| Friday, January 8th | Relationship Management (Online) | (1:00 - 5:00) |
| Friday, January 29th | Feedback Models and Coaching (OU Health OKC) | (9:00 - 1:00) |
| Friday, February 26th | Project Presentations and Team Dynamics (Online) | (1:00 - 5:00) |
| Friday, March 26th | Center for Families and Children Volunteer Day (Norman) | (9:00 - 1:00) |
| Graduation Date | Session | Time |
| Friday, April 16th | Graduation (Norman) | (12:00 - 2:00) |
| Make-Up Class dates | These dates are to be blocked in case of unforseen circumstances. | Time |
| Friday, March 5th | If Needed: Make-Up Session 1 | TBD |
| Friday, April 2nd | If Needed: Make-Up Session 2 | TBD |
Completed applications and all required documents are reviewed and scored by a tri-campus external selection committee. Any documents not submitted will result in a deduction in scoring. See the Application link on the right side of the page for all necessary documents.
The cost of attending is covered by Human Resources; however, participants' departments will incur a $135 fee if the participant withdraws from the program with less than 48 hours’ notice of the first session date, or if they miss more than 3 hours (cumulative) of the scheduled workshops.
Learning styles, schedules, and team dynamics vary on an individual basis; therefore, it is difficult to predict. You may refer to the above Expectations tab to view a summary of coursework and make an inference based on your information processing style.
What a Successful Recommendation Letter Looks Like
This guide provides sample recommendation letter templates and guiding questions to help recommenders write meaningful and impactful letters for Lead Sooner applicants.
Supervisor Recommendation Template
To the Lead Sooner Selection Committee,
It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend [Applicant Name] for participation in the Lead Sooner Program. I have had the pleasure of supervising [Applicant Name] for [timeframe] in their role as [job title] within [department/unit], and I can confidently say that they embody the curiosity, commitment, and leadership potential essential for this program.
[Applicant Name] consistently demonstrates a high level of professionalism, initiative, and accountability in their work. One example of their leadership potential occurred when [provide example]. Through their actions, they demonstrated the ability to influence others, solve problems, and contribute positively to their team and organization.
What sets [Applicant Name] apart is their commitment to continuous growth. They actively seek feedback, reflect on opportunities for improvement, and take meaningful action to strengthen their effectiveness. I believe participation in Lead Sooner will further develop their leadership capabilities while benefiting our organization through the knowledge and skills they bring back.
The Lead Sooner Program is an excellent fit for [Applicant Name]'s professional goals, and I strongly support their participation.
Sincerely,
[Name]
[Title]
[Department]
[Email]
[Phone]
Non-Supervisor Recommendation Template
To the Lead Sooner Selection Committee,
I am pleased to recommend [Applicant Name] for participation in the Lead Sooner Program. I have worked alongside [Applicant Name] for [timeframe] as a colleague, collaborator, mentor, committee member, or professional partner.
Throughout our time working together, [Applicant Name] has consistently demonstrated qualities that contribute to effective leadership, including collaboration, empathy, communication, and a willingness to support others. One example that stands out is [provide example]. Through this experience, I observed their ability to build relationships, navigate challenges, and positively influence those around them.
I have also witnessed [Applicant Name]'s commitment to learning and personal growth. They are receptive to feedback, open to new perspectives, and genuinely invested in becoming a stronger leader. I believe they will contribute significantly to the Lead Sooner cohort while benefiting greatly from the experience.
I strongly recommend [Applicant Name] for the Lead Sooner Program and am confident they will make meaningful contributions to both the cohort and the university community.
Sincerely,
[Name]
[Relationship to Applicant]
[Department/Organization]
[Email]
[Phone]
Guiding Questions for Recommendation Letters
1. Describe a time when this individual demonstrated leadership, regardless of their title or position. What actions did they take, and what impact did those actions have on others?
2. What personal qualities or character strengths make this individual a strong candidate for the Lead Sooner Program? Please provide specific examples whenever possible.
3. How does this individual build and maintain relationships with colleagues, teams, or stakeholders? Please describe their communication style and ability to work with diverse groups of people.
4. Tell us about a time when this individual received feedback or faced a challenge. How did they respond, and what did you observe about their willingness to learn and grow?
5. Why do you believe this individual would benefit from participating in Lead Sooner, and what leadership potential do you see in them? What contributions do you believe they could make to the cohort experience?
6. Optional: Is there anything else you would like the selection committee to know about this candidate?
Please do not apply if you know you have a scheduling conflict with any of the session dates. Missing more than 3 hours (cumulative) of the scheduled workshops will result in a participant being removed from the program and their department incurring a fee of $135.
