The Power of Purpose: How the Leadership Certificate Program is Transforming Campus Leaders

Published Date May 06, 2026
News Type College News

At The Ohio State University, people leaders have access to resources that help them continuously grow as leaders. As part of this investment in excellence, the John Glenn College of Public Affairs and Ohio State Human Resources partnered in 2025 to launch a section of the Leadership Certificate Program for Ohio State employees. Additional support for the program is provided by the University Staff Advisory Committee. The program is a rigorous, cohort-based experience designed to help operational leaders accelerate their effectiveness.

In its inaugural year, the program welcomed 30 staff members from 27 different campus units. These leaders earned six hours of graduate credit, and they gained a new “leadership language” along with a network of peers that spans the entire university.

Here is how three program members are taking what they learned and putting it into practice.

Leading Through Change: Ricardo Zamaripa

I wanted to be intentional with how I showed up for my team.

Ricardo Zamaripa
Program Manager, Scholarship and Supplemental Academic Services, Office of Undergraduate Education

With more than 20 years of service across the Young Scholars Program and Student Financial Aid, Ricardo Zamaripa has a wealth of experience and expertise about university life. However, when his division faced a period of significant transition, he knew he needed to rely on more than his own experience — he needed a framework for resilience.

Through the program’s focus on emotional intelligence, Ricardo deepened his ability to navigate uncertainty with confidence.

“The class gave me the structure to understand the ‘why’ behind my decision,” he explains.

One insight that resonated the most was the value of transparency. By acknowledging the unknown during the transition, he built a deeper sense of cohesion and trust within his team.

From Individual Contributor to People Leader: Leah Halper

It helped me shift my mindset to embrace people-centered leadership.

Leah Halper
Associate Director, Center for the Study of Student

Dr. Leah Halper has a BS in Psychology from Ohio State and an MS and PhD in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from Ohio University. The program helped Leah recognize that learning leadership skills is a lifelong journey. For her, the program was a bridge between her technical expertise and the nuanced world of cross-campus collaboration.

“Meeting colleagues from across Ohio State broadened my perspective,” Leah shared.

The experience sharpened her natural leadership, allowing her to elevate her impact as she shifted from a focus on individual output to collective growth. Her journey highlights that leadership is an ongoing commitment — a continuous practice of seeking feedback, active listening and reflection.

Confidence in Action: Lorraine Pennyman

This experience reaffirmed that I’m making an impact.

Lorraine Pennyman
Director of Leadership and Engagement, Undergraduate Programs and Advising

After 22 years in the Fisher College of Business, Lorraine Pennyman knew she loved helping students, and the Leadership Certificate Program gave her something new for her toolbox: the confidence to see herself as a mentor.

Lorraine walked away with the concept of a “constellation of mentors,” the idea that no single person has all the answers. By learning from different perspectives within her cohort, she recognized the unique value she brings to Ohio State.

“I’ve realized my voice matters at the table,” she says, now applying those insights to redefine the leadership framework within her own unit.

About the Program

The Leadership Certificate Program blends academic rigor with practical application, offering:

  • Graduate-level credit: Participants earn six hours of credit through the John Glenn College of Public Affairs.
  • Blended learning: A mix of online Carmen modules and monthly in-person sessions.
  • A shared philosophy: Curriculum aligned with the university’s Leadership Philosophy and Framework.
  • Professional development for operational leaders: The program is designed for experienced operational leaders and newly promoted organizational leaders who hold a bachelor’s degree and are eligible for tuition assistance.

How to Get Involved

Campus and Wexner Medical Center nominations are submitted by college and unit leaders in consultation with their Human Resources business partner. Contact your business partner for information on your college or unit selection process.

To learn more, visit Leadership Certificate Program for Ohio State Professionals.