Ricci Leadership Academy

motivated for leadership skills?

Grow as leaders with proven, world-class business professionals

No matter your focus — finance, marketing, management, business analytics or any other business or design discipline — leadership is the skill that sets you apart. The inaugural cohort of the Ricci Leadership Academy welcomes just 20 students — a small, dedicated community focused on personal and professional growth.

Build skills for tomorrow

Learn by doing. Build skills for tomorrow. Create opportunities for everyone. These values shape the Ricci Leadership Academy — and define leadership development at Oregon State’s College of Business. Students study leadership — they practice it, reflect on it and grow through real-world challenges that build confidence, character and readiness for what comes next.

Powered by partnership

The Ricci Leadership Academy is made possible through the support of Joth Ricci ’91, former CEO of Dutch Bros and College of Business Executive in Residence. Reflecting on his gift, Ricci shared: “Oregon State’s College of Business is a changemaker for industry throughout Oregon. Supporting this leadership academy is a way to invest in the next generation — leaders who will drive innovation, build strong communities and create lasting impact.”

Built by experts, backed by mission

Elizabeth French, instructor in the School of Management, Entrepreneurship and Supply Chain, serves as the academy’s first director. She is leading the development of a curriculum that challenges students both inside and outside the classroom, combining coursework, coaching and immersive experiences to support personal and professional growth

What you'll gain

  • Gain firsthand leadership experience you can’t get in the classroom
  • Build a strong professional network
  • Earn a certificate to showcase on your resume and LinkedIn
  • Stand out when applying for internships and jobs
Email us

Program details

Applications for the 2025–26 academic year are closed, with 2026–27 cycle opening in spring 2026. The Ricci Leadership Academy is open exclusively to College of Business students. Interested students will enroll in a 399-level class and take part in a year-long, cohort-based experience.

1 year

Commitment

The leadership academy is a one-year program, and you will earn one credit per quarter.

3.0+

Minimum GPA

We ask that our applicants hold a minimum GPA standard of 3.0.

BA 252

Coursework

Completion of BA 252/352 "Managing Individual and Team Performance" — or concurrent enrollment fall term — is a prerequisite.

~20

Members

The initial cohort intends to accept 15 to 25 students.

College of Business Executive in Residence

Joth Ricci '91

Joth Ricci graduated from Oregon State with a degree in business education in 1991. Throughout his career, he has served as CEO and Board Member of several companies, including Adelsheim Vineyard and Stumptown Coffee. Most recently, he served as the president, chief executive officer and board member at Dutch Bros from 2019-2023. There, he led the company to its IPO in September, 2021. He is currently Executive Chairman of Burgerville.

Ricci is a passionate mentor and coach and has dedicated time to advising boards, organizations and individuals around key strategic initiatives to ensure strong economic growth throughout Oregon and equitable opportunities for all.

Read more