Donald V. Adams Leadership Institute

49 students.

Countless conversations, challenges, breakthroughs, and moments of growth.

This week, we celebrated 49 graduating seniors completing the Adams Leadership Institute - students who chose to invest deeply in their leadership, relationships, character, and future.

Over the past several years, these students committed themselves to learning how to live, lead, and launch with greater self-awareness, courage, empathy, and purpose. They showed up consistently for difficult conversations, meaningful reflection, collaborative work, and the ongoing process of becoming the kind of leaders our world needs more of.

We could not be more proud of the impact they’ve made at Drake and the lives they will continue to influence far beyond campus.

Once Adams, always Adams. 💙

Introducing Matthew Williams, a graduate of the Adams Leadership Institute, who shares what he gained from Adams 1!

“During my time at Drake, I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the Adams Institute, especially Adams 1, where we learned many tips on the “soft skills” needed to navigate live, everything from how to keep a positive mindset (thinking of what you have vs. what what you want), the importance of sleep, and the value of experiences over material things. As a busy young professional, these skills have been good reminders to practice as I launch my professional career where there is so much to balance!” -Matthew Williams

Congratulations to the Adams 1 students for completing the first of the training series last week! What was the most impactful thing that you learned? Comment below!

All In starts now!

For 24 hours (April 8-9), we’re rallying support for the next generation of thoughtful, ethical, compassionate leaders through the Adams Leadership Institute at Drake.

This year, your gift to the Institute goes even further:

Up to $5,000 in matching funds thanks to Doug Hagerman, LA’83

An additional $2,000 unlocked when 10 young alumni (2016–2026 grads) give, thanks to Tom Henderson, LA’77, JD’80, and Nan Horvat, JD’81

Help us honor Dr. Don Adams’ legacy and invest in tomorrow’s leaders.

Give April 8-9 at the link in bio.

Meet the ALI graduate Emily White, formerly Wilcox, (‘21) and learn about what she has gained from her time in the Institute!

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

Institute students, thank you to everyone who attended Nacho Night! We loved socializing and going into breakout groups for individualized leadership sessions. We are already looking forward to the next Nacho Night!

Institute students! Join us next month for ALI Nacho Night - a chance to eat, connect, and study alongside other students in the Adams Leadership Institute. Learn more and register by March 1 at the link in our bio!