Engineering leadership studies and the robe leadership institute model in the russ college of engineering and technology at Ohio university

As technology´s influence grows, it is critical that engineers take a greater role in public and private leadership. Most engineering students, however, are not exposed to formal studies in leadership development. For the past 12 years, the Robe Leadership Institute (RLI) has encouraged effective leadership for the college´s students, faculty, and staff through a wide variety of activities, classes, and guest speakers. The focus on leadership concepts, styles, self-realization, and personal interactions with established leaders develops each student´s own leadership style in preparation for future opportunities. This paper will summarize Institute progress in leadership education, focusing on the yearly course offered to the Russ College´s most promising student leaders. This course includes a literature survey, studies of emotional intelligence and leadership styles, team building, interactions with invited leaders, and journaling on each activity. The course structure, pedagogy, assignments, speaker interaction, alumni surveys, and future goals will be presented.