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.
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 | (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.
Yes. The following sample recommendation letter template and guiding questions are provided to assist you with writing meaningful and impactful letters for Lead Sooner applicants.
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.
