The Student-Athlete Academic Services of Old Dominion University hosted the inaugural classes for Monarch University, A Leadership Academy, on Wednesday, February 8. This event was held in the Jacobson Athletic Academic Center of the Jim Jarrett Athletic building located on the campus of Old Dominion University.
Monarch University is a Leadership Academy led by the student-athlete development team that is projected to be fully developed by the Fall 2017 semester. With the consultation of Jeff O'Brien, Vice President of the National Consortium for Academics & Sports based in Orlando, Florida, Monarch University will provide student-athletes a platform to grow as leaders, achieve personal growth, and prepare them for Life After Sport, while engaging and interacting with athletes from other sports.
Student-athletes who participated were recommended by either their coaches, advisors, and athletics administrative staff.
The inaugural cohort of Monarch University was comprised of three classes. The freshmen & sophomores group focused on the theme of Growth Mindset Leadership. The junior group explored Leading with Core Values, while the senior group was centered around Leadership Legacy and their transition into “Life After Sport”. This program was just the first installment of the curricula to come for the Leadership Academy.
Quotes From Participants:
“This was eye opening! I really enjoyed learning about myself and others.” – Luke Weisenstein, Men’s Swimming
“I enjoyed that we didn’t just sit and get talked at. I liked that we all got to share our opinions on what a leader means to us.” –Erin Welsh, Women’s Rowing
“ The activity of discussing my transition to life after sports and leaving my leadership legacy here at ODU got me to really reflect on success thus far, and how my leadership has impacted others.” – Sam Perelman, Men’s Tennis