Hargis Leadership Institute
The Hargis Leadership Institute
Empowering outstanding leaders
The Hargis Leadership Institute encompasses passionate individuals who desire to consistently
exhibit exceptional leadership. We value cultivating leaders on the basis of three
fundamental pillars—identity, relationships, and leadership skills. As an institute
we partner with other university departments, private industry, and community groups
to create leadership development opportunities.
The Hargis Leadership Institute aligns with Oklahoma State University’s land-grant
mission by investing in the leaders of today and tomorrow. Through their life-giving
community leadership, this network of leaders will be equipped 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 both outstanding leadership and the state of Oklahoma is
evident through his unrelenting dedication to service. He was an active leader throughout
his career, as the former president of the Oklahoma Bar Foundation and serving as a Fellow for
the American Bar Foundation.
As president for Oklahoma State University, Burns brought to life a vision that built
upon the legacy of Oklahoma State and firmly established the university as a modern
land-grant institution. His leadership has been marked by record-setting fundraising, enrollment growth, new
and enhanced facilities, and a growing national reputation for academic and research
advances.
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.
Lead 4 Success
Lead 4 Success is a two-day leadership training program open to all current students that teaches the 4 fundamental competencies of leadership.
McKnight Scholars
The McKnight Scholars Leadership Program identifies, equips and empowers young scholars to become life-giving leaders.