Jerry Holmes Leadership Program for Engineers & Scientists

"JHLP has provided me the opportunity to connect with students from diverse backgrounds and engineering disciplines. This program helped me develop leadership skills and learn more about myself. Because of JHLP, I have taken on leadership roles and had a larger impact on students than I could have ever imagined." - Luke Pauli, Professional Development Chair, Biomedical Engineering Society OU Chapter

"Participating in the Jerry Holmes Leadership Program has deeply influenced how I lead. My mentor's guidance, combined with JHLP, has helped me develop strong communication skills and effective leadership techniques. Organizing events like the StartUp Panel and Women in STEM panel has allowed me to apply these skills in real-world settings and share valuable insights from industry leaders with my peers. JHLP has not only shaped my leadership style but also emphasized the significance of mentorship and diversity in leadership." - Sarah Onyembe, Chair, JHLP Campus Connections Committee

"JHLP has been transformational. Prior to JHLP, I found leadership intimidating and challenging. But thanks to the interactive workshops, recurring mentorship, and supportive community, that's all changed. The creation of a personalized leadership plan, coupled with rigorous mentorship and real-world leadership activities have all been invaluable to me. JHLP has given me the confidence I needed to step up to become the president of IISE, and the tools to make my tenure a record-breaking success. Because of this, I would say that a year in JHLP would equate to $10,000 worth of lifetime value. This program makes leaders." - Judah Anttila, President, Institute of Industrial & Systems Engineers OU Chapter

"JHLP has significantly influenced my leadership journey by offering a platform for personal and professional growth. Through this program, I've honed essential skills including fostering positive relationships and communicating with impact. Additionally, it has connected me with a valuable mentor whose guidance I can rely on. Moreover, JHLP has introduced me to a remarkable network of graduate and undergraduate engineers dedicated to achieving excellence." - Ann-Sha Headley, Leadership Retreat and Special Events Chair

OU Giving Day starts in just a few hours. You can support JHLP by searching for "Holmes" under the Find a Fund tab. Keep reading to learn more about how JHLP helps OU engineering and science students develop the skills they need to be effective and ethical leaders.

OU Giving Day This year, our moment for greatness arrives April 2, 2024. On OU Giving Day, you have a powerful opportunity to shape the lives of our students, enhance their collegiate experience and preserve our history for generations to come.

JHLP has significantly impacted my academic and future career. Connections that I made through the program helped me to join get involved in undergraduate research in a professor's lab. Through that I discovered my passion for research and have gone on to achieve the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship and several other fellowships from OU.
- Rylee Newport. Graduating with BS in Biomedical Engineering

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Through JHLP, I have had the opportunity to participate in workshops and seminars that have taught me valuable skills such as effective communication, goal-setting, and conflict resolution. Overall, JHLP has been instrumental in helping me develop the skills and mindset necessary to be an effective leader and make a meaningful impact in my community. I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences that the program has provided, and I am excited to continue applying the lessons I have learned in my future endeavors.

- Omar Hassan. Graduating Senior in Mechanical Engineering.

JHLP has benefitted me by building upon my leadership skills through various workshops and opportunities. Also, working with a mentor in industry has been helpful to understand how different jobs in industry work.
- Keely Laurence. Graduating with BS in Biomedical Engineering

If only I had my current level of experience last year. I have grown so much with the aid of my mentor, the JHLP events, the leadership courses, and my involvement with other Associates. I have become a better leader, I can better rationalize business decisions, and I have an expanded network compared to my peers, and I am a more competitive candidate for positions thanks to my understanding of broad company objectives/values.
- Caylin Nimmo. Graduating with BS in Aerospace Engineering.