As vice president of Rogers State University’s President’s Leadership Class, junior Corbin Harris recognizes the value of strong leadership.
Harris’s commitment to leadership recently took him to Oklahoma City, as a George Nigh Scholar and participant in the George and Donna Nigh Leadership Academy from Feb. 3-6.
Approved by the Oklahoma State Legislature in 1999, the George and Donna Nigh Public Service Scholarship allows each of Oklahoma’s two- and four-year institutions to select one student as a George Nigh Scholar.
Scholars receive a one-time $1,000 Leadership Scholarship which is awarded at the conclusion of the five-day leadership academy, which is a mixture of personal development sessions on expanding personal skills and understanding leadership. The academy provides all program and personal expenses.
“I was honored to have been nominated and selected to participate in the George Nigh Leadership Academy,” Harris said. “Throughout my time in the program, I was able to take note of several impactful ideas that will aid my development as a young adult, learning from those in positions of state leadership.”
Harris, and his fellow scholars attended various events in Oklahoma City, visiting the Paycom Center for an Oklahoma City Thunder game, First Americans Museum, the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, Express Ranches in Yukon, and the state Capitol.
One of the key speakers at the academy was its namesake, former Oklahoma Governor George Nigh himself, who impressed upon Harris that great leaders can rise from anywhere.
“Something Governor Nigh said that impressed me was ‘It starts from here’, which may not sound like much, but it inspires leadership from anywhere you are, wherever you begin,” he said. “Some great accomplishments have come out of Oklahoma and the individuals who aspired to something greater than themselves. Saying it can all start from here encourages people to remember that they’re capable of great things, that they can start right where they are.”
During the academy, Harris also met with other Oklahoma leaders and those who’ve worked to better the state, all of whom inspired him and the other academy participants to take a role in something bigger than themselves and aid in the further development of the state on an educational, infrastructure and procedural level.
“Throughout my time at the academy, we were introduced to state senators, Oklahoma department heads and many more professionals who will create a beneficial network for me and the other students in the program,” he said. “I also was able to connect with the other scholars who are now scattered across the state of Oklahoma at their respective universities to form lifelong connections as friends and potential career partners.”
PLC Director Christi Mackey said Harris was nominated for the program as his natural leadership exemplifies the spirit of the program.
“Several RSU administrators nominated Corbin as he embodies the spirit of the George and Donna Nigh Leadership Scholars,” Mackey said. “He exemplifies leadership through his commitment and devotion to improving the lives of others. Corbin is always the first to volunteer and is a constant source of encouragement and motivation to others. Not only is he an outstanding leader, but Corbin upholds a rigorous course load and maintains an exceptional grade point average.”
This leadership academy is supported by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, which contracts with the Nigh Academy for implementation. During the history of the academy, more than 600 students have been awarded the title of Nigh Scholars. Past students have become members of the State Legislature, county commissioners, mayors, city councilman, lawyers, doctors, teachers, federal and state officials, businessmen and higher education administrators and professors.
Harris is a native of Collinsville and is currently majoring in business administration.
He is the current vice president of RSU’s President’s Leadership Class and the president-elect for next year.
Rogers State University’s President’s Leadership Class (PLC) is a four-year scholarship program designed to develop leadership skills and enhance the academic experience.
PLC provides an environment for exceptional students to foster their personal and professional development. PLC members represent a diverse group of RSU’s most ambitious and promising students, who work closely with student groups and university administration to enhance service to students and the community.
For more information about PLC, contact Christi Mackey at 918-343-7752, [email protected], or visit www.rsu.edu/PLC.