Hargis Leadership Institute
Hargis Leadership Institute
Empowering Outstanding Leaders
The Hargis Leadership Institute encompasses passionate individuals who desire to consistently
exhibit exceptional leadership. We align with OSU’s land-grant mission by investing in the leaders of today and tomorrow,
equipping them through life-giving opportunities to create better communities for
all.
Lead Week
Sept. 15-19, 2025
Lead Week is a campus-wide initiative that provides leadership development through
workshops, networking, community engagement and fun activities. In collaboration with
campus-wide partners, academic college’s student councils and other campus departments,
activities are aligned with the OSU Ideal Graduate initiative.
Leadership Institute Endowed Chair
Burns Hargis
Burns Hargis’ passion for leadership and the state of Oklahoma is evident through
his lifelong dedication to service, acting in prominent roles such as president of
the Oklahoma Bar Foundation and Fellow of the American Bar Foundation. As president
of Oklahoma State University, he transformed the institution into a modern land-grant
university through record fundraising, enrollment growth and enhanced facilities,
further elevating OSU’s national reputation in academics and research.
Leadership Opportunities
The Hargis Leadership Institute enriches the student leadership experience through a variety of programs and services.
President's Leadership Council
The PLC is a competitive scholarship and leadership program for outstanding first-year freshmen and transfer students that teaches the importance of leadership and serving throughout life.
Lead4Success
Lead4Success is a two-day leadership training program open to all current students that teaches the four fundamental competencies of leadership.
McKnight Scholars
The McKnight Scholars Leadership Program identifies, equips and empowers young scholars to become life-giving leaders.