The program is a year-long cohort-based program that works with local business leaders, ranging from the private, non-profit and governmental sectors, to solve a real-life business problem. Students will gain the knowledge to present a solution to their proposed problem by:
All events for this program take place on a Saturday from 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. once a month (August, September, October, November, January, February, March and April) with October being the retreat and April being the graduation ceremony. In order to receive a certificate of completion for the program, students must attend a minimum of 7 events.
To be considered for participation, candidates:
The number of spots for this program are limited to 20 students and candidates are finalized by the Academy's faculty.
Director
Eva G. & Oakley Farris Leadership Academy
Current faculty of the Haile College of Business, or previous cohort members may nominate a student to join the Eva G. & Oakley Farris Leadership Academy.
To nominate a student, please click the button below and fill out the form.
Check back during the Fall 2025 Semester for more events.
| Lyndsey Back | Nathan Deininger | Bitanya Adane |
| Rista Basnet |
Charles Gall | Laney Wilbur |
| Carina Calderon | Molly Gilkinson |
Chenille Wright |
| Elaine Chan | Ethan Malje | Marietou Yade |
| Sean DeGarmoe | Mary Randall |
| Patrice Brooks | Robert Heil | Ben Mulling |
| Brent Cooper |
William Hoover | Gina Rittinger |
| Kevin Donnelly | Bryson Lair |
Majid Samarghandi |
| Jason Dunaway |
Victor Livisay | Brian Sedra |
| Dan Groneck |
Jeff McDowell | Jennifer Sheffel |
Project Description:
The 2022 Leadership Academy cohort tackled the problem of low enrollment of Cincinnati Public School (CPS) graduates at Northern Kentucky University (NKU). They identified that only about 2% of CPS students were enrolling at NKU. The cohort performed a robust research process, including data collection from NKU departments, high school focus groups, and publicly available statistics.
They conducted a SWOT analysis and developed a comprehensive, three-phase engagement plan:
Community Impact:
The project aimed to:
Project Description:
The 2023 cohort expanded on the prior year’s work with a hands-on initiative titled 'Adopt a Classroom.' They collaborated with Withrow University High School’s 7th and 8th graders through a four-visit series. Each session focused on mentorship, goal-setting, financial literacy, and self-awareness:
Visit 1. Building relationships and trust.
Visit 2. Teaching accountability and planning.
Visit 3. Hands-on skill development (budgeting, time management).
Visit 4. Financial literacy and future planning.
The students also designed a mentorship program blueprint for future implementation that paired CPS students with NKU student leaders.
Community Impact:
- Created a direct, consistent presence in a CPS classroom to build long-term relationships.
- Introduced students to post-secondary education paths and opportunities at NKU.
- Raised awareness of scholarships and debunked myths about college affordability.
- Inspired many students to begin thinking seriously about higher education, many for the first time.
Project Description:
The 2024 cohort focused on health advocacy by supporting The Teal Sole Sisters, a local nonprofit aligned with the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC). Their goal was to raise funds for early detection research and to increase awareness around women’s health, especially ovarian cancer. The cohort organized a silent auction as part of a holiday gift-wrapping fundraiser. Each team created themed baskets (e.g., Bengals helmet, Christmas Date Night, NKU gear, etc.) and solicited donations from local businesses.
Community Impact:
- Raised awareness about a critical women's health issue that often goes undiagnosed until late stages.
- Generated funds to support NOCC’s research and advocacy (it is estimated that over $1200 was raised by the NKU students’ efforts).
- Promoted empathy, civic engagement, and team collaboration among students.
- Reinforced leadership through service, tying personal development to broader societal issues.
Project Description:
The 2025 cohort tackled the issue of the digital divide by partnering with ReGadget, a tech-focused nonprofit. Their initiative aimed to reduce e-waste and provide refurbished technology to underserved communities. The cohort:
- Reached out to companies for technology donations.
- Focused on social media outreach to grow ReGadget’s awareness using platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
- Proposed the establishment of an internship pipeline involving NKU, ReGadget, and Ignite Institute to provide long-term student engagement.
Community Impact:
- Supported digital inclusion for communities lacking access to modern technology. Over 100 computers were refurbished and put directly back into the local community to K-12 students in need of laptops to effectively engage in their education endeavors.
- Created pathways for sustainability and tech equity through device refurbishment.
- Proposed scalable structures (social media and internship frameworks) that can sustain the impact of the initiative beyond the cohort's time.
- Encouraged professional development, including project planning, marketing, and community engagement.
Have questions about the Eva G. & Oakley Farris Leadership Academy?
Jaclyn Perrmann-Graham, Ph.D. | Program Director | perrmanngj1@nku.edu
