Ricci Leadership Academy
motivated for leadership skills?
Grow as a leader through a year-long experience engaging with 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 Ricci Leadership Academy welcomes 25 to 30 students each year in the fall — a small, dedicated community focused on personal and professional growth.
APPLY by may 22! — Three easy steps
How to apply for 2026-27 academic year
The spring application for the 2026–27 cohort is open. 1) Download the essay questions, and answer the two questions in about 200-300 words. 2) Include the name of a College of Business faculty member who will write a letter of recommendation. (We will connect with the faculty you recommend.) 3) Email cob.leadershipacademy@oregonstate.edu with your completed essay and the faculty name/email you'd like us to contact for your recommendation letter.
Program details
TThe Ricci Leadership Academy is open exclusively to College of Business students. Interested students will enroll in a 399-level class and take part in an academic year's cohort-based experience.
1 year
Commitment
The leadership academy is a one academic-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.
~25
Members
The Ricci Leadership cohort accepts 25 to 30 students.
Direct & authentic experiences
What you'll gain
Join a unique platform for developing your leadership skills through direct, authentic experiences with regional and national industry executives.
- 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
Do you have any questions? Please email us!
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.”
Created 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.
meet with chief executives + Vps + VIPS + founders
Stahlbush Island Farms | Amy L. Dowd LLC | Portland Trailblazers | Salt & Straw | Papé Group | HP | Oregon State University Athletics | Eugene Police Department | Dutch Bros
Skills & experience for life
Define leadership
“Being a member of the Ricci Leadership Academy was a defining experience in both my growth as a leader and as a student at OSU.”
Alivia Froeber, Honors business analytics and organizational leadership
A rewarding experience
Serve others
“Any student driven to serve others through leadership will find that the Ricci Leadership Academy is one of the biggest and most rewarding steps they can take in that direction.”
Jackson Sterling, Honors business information systems
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.