May 14, 2026

This piece is sponsored by Augustana University. 

The Augustana University Rydell School of Business will introduce an organizational leadership minor to its offered studies in fall 2026. The minor will allow students from any major to improve their leadership skills, as well as take ownership of their lives and future careers.

“We start with the individual. Students spend time understanding who they are, reflecting on their dreams and goals for the future and defining the values that will guide their decisions. From there, we focus on what it means to work well with others and to be an effective follower,” said Dr. Diogo Seixas, program director of organizational leadership and assistant professor of management, who earned a Ph.D. in organizational behavior and leadership.

“I want people to learn how to lead themselves and how to be good team players before they try to lead others because we cannot lead others if we cannot first lead ourselves.”

The organizational leadership minor at Augustana will consist of eight classes, or 24 credits, including five core classes and three leadership courses: Introduction to Leadership, Leading and Managing Teams, and Organizational Leadership. Each course will focus on the different steps to becoming a well-rounded leader.

“We have a really strong team of professors who are knowledgeable and genuinely excited about building this minor,” Seixas said. “That energy and commitment will make a real difference in the experience our students have.”

The minor pairs easily with a business administration major, although the doors are open to all who want to strengthen their leadership skills. 

“Leadership is maybe one of the few things that is transferable no matter which career you are in,” Seixas said. “If it’s biology, business, marketing, philosophy, government — there’s always going to be leadership at some level there.”

And Seixas believes that the minor will do more than just create strong leaders, offering a whole new world of opportunities for everyone involved.

“We’re creating something that goes far beyond a line on a resume,” he said. “Of course, students will gain knowledge and skills they can talk about in interviews, but what we’re really building is a legacy. We’re developing people who take ownership of their careers and their actions.”

Nick Ovenden, Augustana University class of 2006 and  the president of GreatLIFE Golf & Fitness, said the minor will create a firm connection between the GreatLIFE leadership program already available to its employees and his alma mater. Employees who take leadership classes through the company are eligible to apply for transfer credits at Augustana. Ovenden believes the addition will open new doors for them. 

“I would love to see people coming out knowing their purpose and knowing what drives and motivates them to work,” Ovenden said. “If we can figure out the purpose behind why we’re working for an organization or if we can align our values and make sure that the values of the company are similar, then we can truly live out our best life.”

Beyond the content of the minor, Seixas is most excited to watch the students grow and learn from their experiences, just like he did.

“I love the mix of chaos and order,” he said. “I’m thankful that I get to participate in this and design and develop chaos and order in meaningful and fun experiences. Getting a few smiles in class and knowing that students are learning through that process is what makes it special.”

For information on the organizational leadership minor at Augustana, visit augie.edu/OrgLeadership.