Drake University’s Donald V. Adams Leadership Institute received top honors from NASPA, showcasing the University’s commitment to student leadership development and success.
The Adams Leadership Institute was selected by NASPA, the national association for student affairs professionals in higher education, as the Gold Award Winner and the Grand Silver Award Winner (the highest award tier) for the association’s annual Excellence Awards.
The Excellence Awards recognize schools and programs for their efforts in transforming higher education through outstanding programs, innovative services, and effective administration. The Adams Leadership Institute, a leadership development program offered to undergraduate students at Drake University, was recognized in the Fraternity and Sorority Life, Leadership, Student Activities, Student Union, and related category.
“Receiving the NASPA Excellence Award showcases the Institute’s unique value as part of a Drake education,” said Kristin Economos, senior director of the Adams Leadership Institute. “The Adams Leadership Institute isn’t just preparing students for leadership roles on campus — it’s giving them a place to practice, take risks, and build crucial life skills before they launch into adulthood. This national recognition affirms what our 98% satisfaction score already shows: when students have the freedom to practice leadership in a low-stakes, high-feedback environment, they graduate ready to make a meaningful impact in their careers, communities, and the causes they care most about.”
Commending Economos on her leadership and oversight of the Institute, Drake University Vice President and Dean of Students Jerry Parker said, “To have an outstanding leadership program nationally recognized at the highest level, one needs to have an outstanding educator that serves our students with a purpose greater than oneself. Kristin demonstrates an unwavering commitment to our students and exemplifies the very best of who we are in student affairs and at Drake University.”
Launched in 2000, the Adams Leadership Institute is an innovative leadership development program that has equipped more than 7,000 Drake students with skills to enhance their personal, academic, and professional lives. The Institute teaches tangible leadership practices through a variety of trainings, workshops, and events that allow students to form an intentional community of leaders and create change on campus and beyond.
The Institute is named for Donald V. Adams, whose leadership and mentorship has impacted Drake students across decades. Adams served as vice president for student life at Drake from 1969 to 2007 and held the titles of vice president for enrollment management and executive assistant to the president. He retired in 2007 and remains involved with the Drake community and regularly attends the Institute’s events and programs.
Incoming students who are interested in joining the Adams Leadership Institute for Fall 2025, can find more information about the program and apply at drake.edu/leadershipinstitute/apply/.