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49 graduating seniors completing the Adams Leadership Institute in May 2026, standing together as a group in front of Old Main

Donald V. Adams Leadership Institute

Maximize your education and grow as a person of impact through Drake’s Adams Leadership Institute, which offers personalized skills training and professional readiness for undergraduate students.

Donald V. Adams Leadership Institute

Build a Life Worth Following

Grow to your full potential. The Donald V. Adams Leadership Institute (ALI) is Drake University’s signature leadership development program, helping undergraduates build the self-awareness, confidence, and practical skills needed to thrive in college and beyond.

Admitted students gain access to exclusive events, workshops, networking opportunities, and a close-knit community of peers committed to personal growth. Along the way, they build meaningful relationships and leadership capacity that empower them to make a positive impact on campus, in their careers, and the causes and communities they care most about.

Leadership Training That Matters

Most students gain leadership experience in college. The Adams Institute's nationally-recognized curriculum helps them gain the skills, confidence, and self-awareness needed to make the most of those experiences.

Learn By Doing

Through hands-on activities, meaningful reflection, and real-world application, students develop practical skills they can immediately use in college, leadership roles, internships, and future careers.

Accessible to All Students

Thanks to the generosity of donors and alumni, all training, coaching, materials, and experiences are provided at no additional cost to participants. The Institute also awards annual scholarships to outstanding student leaders.

What to Expect

A personalized leadership development experience combines interactive training, meaningful relationships, hands-on skill building, and real-world application to help you thrive in college and beyond.

Student standing in front of Old Main with an Adams Leadership Institute blue jacket.

Leadership Training

As the core of the program, a structured sequence of three modules complements real-world leadership experiences and trains you in the habits and practices of effective leaders.

Ready. Set. Lead! WLC 2024 Conference, with speaker on stage talking.

Leadership Events and Activities

At a variety of annual events and activities, you’ll gain unique insights from leadership experts, expand your professional network, and see your campus contributions celebrated.

Kristin Economos standing with 6 Leadership Institute students on stage while talking to a room full of people in the Turner Jazz Center.

Mentorship and Professional Development

You won't navigate your leadership journey alone. Adams Institute students are mentored by senior participants, dedicated staff coaches, and campus and community partners who provide encouragement, guidance, and real-world insight as participants grow in confidence, develop practical skills, and prepare for life beyond Drake.

About Us

Founded in 2000 to expand the legacy of Drake professor Donald V. Adams, the Institute has shaped thousands of Bulldogs since its inception. Program alumni embody core values like responsibility and curiosity as they amplify their impact and inspire change in their communities.

Learn more about History and Background

Over

Students have completed the Adams Leadership Institute program since its inception.

%

Of program completers indicate the Institute was one of their most influential experiences at a Drake student.

$ K

Worth of supplies, training, and coaching materials provided to each institute student at no cost, thanks to the generous support of our Institute alumni and donors.

What You'll Learn

Students progress through a three-part training series designed to help them gain sincere confidence, develop leadership skills, work effectively with others, and build lives worth following.

Learn to Live

Build the foundation to lead yourself well. Through interactive activities, small-group conversations, and self-reflection, you’ll strengthen your self-awareness, develop habits that help you thrive, and build confidence and meaningful connections. You’ll leave with a personalized action plan for making the most of your college experience and growing as a leader at Drake.

Learn to Lead

Turn self-awareness into practical leadership skills. Learn to leverage your strengths, communicate with confidence, build trust and dependability, navigate conflict and power dynamics, and perform when the stakes are high - from difficult conversations to interviews and presentations. You’ll leave knowing how to answer one essential question: What do you bring to leadership that no one else can replicate?

Learn to Launch

Prepare to lead and live beyond Drake. Reflect on your leadership journey while building practical skills for navigating life after college, including life design, financial literacy, confident humility, and managing uncertainty. You’ll leave with greater clarity about what comes next and the confidence and tools to launch into your next chapter.

“The Adams Leadership Institute at Drake fundamentally redefined my approach to professional collaboration by instilling a listening-first posture in my leadership style. ”

Emily White (Wilcox), '21

2021 Adams Leadership Institute Graduate

“Before ALI, I didn’t fully realize how the instinct to interrupt, even to clarify a scenario, could inadvertently make others feel undervalued. Today, whether navigating the high-energy team dynamics of a taproom or leading a volunteer committee for a non-profit, I prioritize active listening over the immediate urge to “solve.” This shift from interjection to understanding has equipped me with a versatile toolkit defined by empathy and psychological safety. By learning to value others’ narratives as much as my own, ALI provided me with the emotional intelligence and self-awareness necessary to lead inclusive, mission-driven teams in any professional or civic environment.”

"The Adams Leadership Institute has impacted my college experience in the best way possible."

Ashley Dyson, AS'25

2025 Adams Leadership Institute Graduate

"I learned tangible skills that I could apply to my Drake experience and skills that I will bring to my professional career. Without this experience, I would never have had the confidence to run and win the role of Student Body President, my single greatest achievement thus far."

"The Adams Leadership Institute has been instrumental in my transition into law school, equipping me with essential resources and practical knowledge."

Trinity Harris

2024 Adams Leadership Institute Graduate

"From learning how to manage finances effectively, to presenting myself professionally, to prioritizing my well-being, the program has empowered me to show up as my best self every day. This foundation will serve me well as I pursue a career dedicated to advocacy and justice."

"I am a more well-rounded individual who can thrive in the transition to working adulthood."

Anthony Arroyo

2021 Adams Leadership Institute Graduate

“The Adams Institute has helped me to improve myself in a way that schoolwork, lectures, nor work experience could have - its benefits are unique and seem perfectly tailored for Drake student leaders. It has been one of the most rewarding programs I’ve ever been part of.”

"The Institute gave me valuable skills in my post-grad transition."

Jane Farmer

2023 Adams Leadership Institute Graduate

“Personally, I felt able to take control of making friends and creating strong habits. Professionally, I felt comfortable giving presentations and communicating to leadership confidently from the jump due to the skills I gained in the Adams Institute.”

“The Adams Leadership Institute shaped my experience at Drake University. I was able to learn skills and habits that I could immediately use as a college student, and now in my post graduate career in Washington DC."

Lara Rahman, '24

2024 Adams Leadership Institute Graduate

“I gained invaluable skills that set me apart from my peers. As an ALI intern, I learned how to engage with many different people, perspectives while in unique environments. The program, led by Kristin Economos, sets Drake University students up for success as students but also in post graduate life. I wouldn’t be who I am without this program.“

How do I Apply?

Follow the instructions below to apply to the Adams Leadership Institute, where you'll build confidence, develop practical life and leadership skills, and connect with a community of students committed to personal growth.

Who is eligible?

The Adams Leadership Institute is designed for students from every major, background, and experience level. Whether you're already involved on campus or simply looking to build confidence, develop practical life skills, and connect with a community of growth-minded peers, the Institute provides a place to learn, practice, and grow.

Fall 2026 Students

Fall 2026 students: early decision applications are open for all incoming students planning to arrive in fall 2026. Please visit the link below to access the ALI application.

Apply Now

All Other Students

Please reach out to Kristin Economos Novotny, Senior Director of the Adams Leadership Institute, at kristin.economos@drake.edu to see if you are eligible to apply.

Email Kristin

How to Contact Us

Want to learn more about the program or how you can participate? We’d love to hear from you.

Contact

Kristin Novotny
Senior Director of the Adams Leadership Institute
kristin.economos@drake.edu

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