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Academy of Leaders

Academy of Leaders (AOL)

The Academy of Leaders (AOL) is FIU's premier leadership development program designed to help students discover their leadership potential and build the skills needed to lead with confidence. Through interactive workshops, experiential learning, self-reflection, and meaningful connections, participants strengthen their leadership abilities while developing relationships with peers from across the university.

Grounded in The Leadership Challenge® framework by Kouzes and Posner, AOL encourages students to grow as ethical, collaborative, and purpose-driven leaders both on campus and beyond.

The Leadership Challenge®

The Academy of Leaders is built around the Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership®, helping participants develop the knowledge and skills to become more effective leaders.

Model the Way

Clarify personal values, lead with integrity, and set an example for others.

Inspire a Shared Vision

Create a compelling vision for the future while inspiring others to work toward common goals.

Challenge the Process

Embrace innovation, seek new opportunities, and learn through experience.

Enable Others to Act

Build trust, strengthen collaboration, and empower others to succeed.

Encourage the Heart

Recognize contributions, celebrate accomplishments, and foster a positive community.

Program Tracks

General Student Track

Open to all FIU students interested in strengthening their leadership skills through a semester-long leadership development experience. Participants engage in interactive workshops, experiential learning, self reflection, and meaningful discussions designed to develop leadership capacity and build connections across the university.

Availability: Fall & Spring semesters

Contact: Shara Davis shdavis@fiu.edu

Graduate Student Track

Designed specifically for graduate students seeking to strengthen their leadership skills while balancing graduate level coursework. Participants engage in a combination of in-person and online learning experiences focused on self-awareness, collaboration, leadership development, and practical application.

Contact: Shannonlee Rodriguez shrodr@fiu.edu

Greek Track

The Greek Track is a collaborative partnership between Greek Life and the Center for Leadership & Service designed for active members of FIU fraternities and sororities. Participants strengthen their leadership skills while fostering collaboration and unity within the Greek community.

Eligibility: Participants must be nominated by their fraternity or sorority.

Contact: Shara Davis shdavis@fiu.edu

Athlete Track

The Athlete Track is a collaborative partnership between FIU Athletics, the Division of Undergraduate Education, the Division of Student Affairs, and the Center for Leadership & Service. Designed specifically for student-athletes, this program supports leadership development while addressing the unique experiences of competing and leading as an FIU athlete.

Eligibility: Participants are selected by FIU Athletics.

Contact: Shannonlee Rodriguez shrodr@fiu.edu

AOLer of the Month

About the award

The AOL'er of the Month is a recognition award for an outstanding AOL'er who has gone above and beyond and truly exemplifies the ideals of The Leadership Challenge (Model the Way, Inspire a Shared Vision, Challenge the Process, Enable Others to Act & Encourage the Heart). To be eligible, you must have either graduated from AOL or currently be in AOL when nominated. The nominated student must be in good academic standing.

The winning student will be contacted by a staff member at the Center for Leadership and Service, for a short interview. The distinguished AOL'er will receive a certificate of distinction & be highlighted on our social media and the next edition of the AOL Newsletter.

Do you know someone who deserves to be nominated? Remember that applications are always open to submit a nomination!

Ready to Lead?

Whether you're exploring leadership for the first time or looking to strengthen your existing skills, the Academy of Leaders provides a supportive community where you can learn, grow, and lead with purpose.