Donald V. Adams Leadership Institute

Want to build a life worth following? Start here.

The Donald V. Adams Leadership Institute (ALI) is a leadership development program offered to undergraduate students at Drake University. Incoming students who apply and are admitted to the Institute gain exclusive access to personalized leadership training, skill development, and "adulting" preparation to enhance their personal, academic, and professional lives.

How do I apply?

Fall 2025 students: Early decision applications are open for all incoming students arriving to Drake in fall 2025. Please use your Drake Admission log-in credentials to access the ALI application below:

All other students: Please reach out to Kristin Economos, Senior Director of the Adams Leadership Institute, at kristin.economos@lyhymh.net to see if you are eligible to apply.

All students admitted to the Adams Leadership Institute complete a three-part leadership training series, designed to equip them with self-awareness, collaboration, and perspective-taking skills that are immediately applicable to their personal relationships, academic coursework, campus activities, and most importantly, their professional network. In addition, participants engage in a variety of annual leadership events and activities offered exclusively to students in the Institute.

Who is eligble?

This co-curricular leadership opportunity is available to students from all academic disciplines and majors at no additional cost thanks to the generous support of Drake alumni and friends of Dr. Donald V. Adams, Professor Emeritus.

Want to learn more?

For more information contact Kristin Economos, Senior Director of the Adams Leadership Institute, at kristin.economos@lyhymh.net.

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