The Game Plan
Your Leadership Journey
The Dawn Staley Leadership Academy is a signature academic initiative in the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management that develops purpose-driven, resilient and authentic leaders. Grounded in coach Dawn Staley’s proven leadership, coaching and player-development philosophy, the Academy offers a structured 6-credit academic program.
The curriculum follows a scaffolded "1-1-1-3-0" credit-hour model that moves students from self-leadership fundamentals to industry-specific and real-world application.
To graduate from the Staley Leadership Academy, students complete a progression of courses designed to build leadership capacity incrementally:
- 1 credit: HRSM 111
- 1 credit: HRSM 211
- 1 credit: HRSM 311
- 3 credits: RETL/SPTE/HTMT Leadership Course (built into your major curriculum)
- 0 credits: Capstone Impact Project
Lead yourself. Lift others. Transform communities.
Step 1 | HRSM 111: Foundations of Uncommon Leadership
1 Credit | Required to Apply
Focus: Who am I as a leader?
Centered on the principle, "The Disciplined Person Can Do Anything," leadership begins with understanding yourself. Through guided self-reflection, discipline, case studies and personal discovery, students identify their purpose ("why") and develop a resilient leadership identity grounded in coach Dawn Staley's leadership principles.
Completion of HRSM 111 is required before applying to the Dawn Staley Leadership Academy.
Step 2 | HRSM 211: Leading People and Teams
1 Credit | Required
Focus: How do I help others grow and win?
This course focuses on building strong teams as dream merchants through accountability, lifting others, communication, conflict negotiation and an understanding of group dynamics. Students learn how effective leaders create cultures where teams thrive.
Step 3 | HRSM 311: Leading for Impact
1 Credit | Required
Focus: How do I lead beyond my title?
“Hope is a ladder,” where leadership extends beyond the individual and the team. Students explore advocacy, ethical leadership, influence and the challenges of leading in today's world. Through real-world examples and discussion, they learn how leaders navigate public scrutiny and become game changers who create positive disruption and legacies.
Step 4 | Industry Leadership Course (HTMT/RETL/SPTE)
3 Credit | Required
Focus: How do I connect leadership principles to real-world industry challenges?
Students complete a leadership course within their major — Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTMT), Retailing (RETL) or Sport and Entertainment Management (SPTE). This course applies Academy leadership principles directly to industry settings and fulfills a requirement already built into each major's curriculum.
Step 5 | Community Impact Project
0 Credits
Focus: How will I leave a legacy?
Students continue their leadership journey applying everything they’ve learned while serving others and leaving a meaningful legacy. This Community Impact Project measures their experience centered on mentorship, leadership development, and creating lasting community impact.