Oakland University launches the Leadership Development Institute

The Leadership Development Institute (LDI), a dynamic cross-disciplinary program blending business savvy and engineering expertise, welcomed the first cohort of 28 students in a prototype phase, paving the way for the full program launch in Fall 2026.

LDI represents a collaborative vision between academia and industry, dedicated to preparing Oakland University students to become immediate contributors in today’s complex marketplace. Sparked by a partnership between the School of Engineering and Computer Science and the School of Business, LDI aims to turn theory into action to forge the next generation of collaborative, adaptable, reflective, visionary and ethical (CARVE) leaders.

The program delivers hands-on leadership training tailored for the fast-evolving job market. The CARVE Lecture Series anchors the program with five interactive sessions co-taught by faculty from both schools. These one-hour deep dives equip students with interdisciplinary skills for real-world teamwork and decision-making. The program peaks in a Leadership Case Study Competition, pitting seven interdisciplinary teams of four students against complex, industry-sourced challenges that sharpen collaboration and problem-solving under pressure.

Leadership Development Institute students work together

Top performing teams earn scholarships funded by Leader Foundry — an organization that contributes $10,000 to $20,000 per semester for scholarships and awards, fueling early growth alongside plans for corporate sponsorships and executive programs.

“Oakland University is creating the kind of applied leadership experience that modern organizations are desperate for: where technical talent and business insight grow together, grounded in strong values, “ said Timothy Herrick, CEO of Leader Foundry, who currently acts as the LDI Director. “We’re proud to sponsor the program and to help equip the next generation of leaders for Southeast Michigan and beyond.”

From its business-engineering core, LDI aspires to expand university-wide to claim regional prominence in leadership education, answering Southeast Michigan's call for leaders capable of thriving amid tech disruptions and economic shifts. Southeast Michigan powers 2.3 million jobs in manufacturing, healthcare and pro services — sectors where leadership development drives measurable performance and retention.

LDI is a direct result of Oakland University's Strategic Vision 2030, particularly the OU Pledge and Talent and Economic Impact initiatives, that position OU as a vital contributor to regional workforce development. The institute empowers students with practical leadership skills and forges vital industry ties to drive regional impact.