Olivet College
Olivet College

    Women's Leadership Institute Keyes-Barber-Benedict Scholars Application




    In the spirit of the first graduating class comprised of three women — Sophia Keyes, Mary Barber, and Sara Benedict, The University of Olivet offers incoming students a scholarship and leadership development opportunities.
    The University of Olivet has been committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion for over 180 years, educating and advancing leaders of all backgrounds since the University’s founding. As a testament to these pioneering women, The University of Olivet has established the Women’s Leadership Institute Keyes-Barber-Benedict (KBB) Scholars Program, a leadership development program focused on academic rigor and deep human engagement for a select group of students on campus.

    KBB Scholars receive a financial award along with a profound opportunity to learn about themselves as leaders and become more effective team leaders. KBB Scholars learn how to facilitate growth and inspire innovation in those they lead and support. KBB Scholars practice the practical skills of social and emotional intelligence, networking, negotiation, and presentation. Confidence improves through practice and a supportive culture of allies. When KBB Scholars graduate, they launch into their future with clarity, assertion, and purpose.

    This unique leadership development program is designed to deeply connect students with their academic, career, and civic passions and prepare them to be exceptional leaders upon graduation. KBB Scholars learn to embrace their unique qualities and develop the muscle memory of leadership from practice and experimentation in training workshops. KBB Scholars develop the courage to take a stand and lead from their values. They discover their ability to influence others and make the meaningful impact they want to see in the world. 

    The KBB Scholars Program is open to all students regardless of gender, gender identity, and gender non-conforming identities. All students interested in developing leadership skills will benefit from the KBB Scholars Program irrespective of background or gender, particularly those interested in advancing women in leadership roles.
    Keyes-Barber-Benedict Scholars have access to:
    • Earn a Keyes-Barber-Benedict Scholarship (amount varies).
    • Experience mentorship designed to accelerate your learning and growth.  
    • Participate in the Leadership Learning Community which hosts premier leaders from diverse backgrounds, career fields, and experiences.
    • Connect with the vast network of alumni.
    • Serve on the WLI leadership team organizing leadership workshops and events. 
    • Access experiential learning opportunities such as internships, job shadowing, leadership retreats and conferences, and more.
    KBB Scholars Eligibility Requirements:
    • Students must have a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale.
    • Must be a first-year or transfer student (new to The University of Olivet) to participate.
    • Applications received by February 1st will be given priority consideration.
    Personal Information
    Birthdate
    Birthdate
    Mailing Address
    Mailing Address
    Preferred Method of Contact
    Preferred Method of Contact
    Essay Submissions

    The WLI-KBB Scholar leadership development program is designed to unleash your potential by activating your innate power and focusing your passion toward achieving the vision that you set forth. Provide one 500-word statement about your interest in the Women’s Leadership Institute that includes reference to the following items: 

    1. Describe what you hope to receive by belonging to the Women's Leadership Institute. 

    1. Describe your vision of yourself as you become a leader. What are your strengths? What are your growth areas? What type of leader do you desire to become? 

    1. Share a moment of growth and learning that you have experienced. What were the lessons you learned? How do you see yourself using these past experiences to launch you in your University career and beyond?  

    1. If there were an abundance of resources, what would your ideal leadership training experience look like? 

    Please note: If you are considering participation in an NCAA Division III sport while at The University of Olivet, under NCAA guidelines, to be eligible for a WLI-KBB scholarship, please ensure that any mention of athletic leadership/participation focuses on the skills and knowledge you gained from those experiences.

    Students accepted to the Women’s Leadership Institute KBB Scholar cohort will be required to submit a letter of acceptance acknowledging the commitment they are making to the institute. The letter will be submitted to Dr. Joylyn Stover, the Director of WLI jstover@uolivet.edu.

    Search