At Dickinson State University (DSU), leadership is more than a goal. It’s a mindset. Students in the Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program (TRHLP) are passionate about growing as leaders and making an impact on campus and beyond.
This unique program is for on-campus students who want to challenge themselves academically and personally. Along the way, they earn a Leadership Studies minor, a framed certificate, and a medallion to wear at commencement. But the real reward is the confidence, purpose, and experience they gain.
TR Scholars do more than take classes. They volunteer, travel on study tours, present
at national conferences, and connect with leaders across the region. They serve the
community, support campus events, and take part in meaningful conversations about
what leadership really means.
Camille Poncin, an incoming biology major from Pray, Montana, is excited to begin
her journey in the program this fall. “I first looked at DSU because of golf, but
the more I learned about the school, the more excited I got,” she said. “The TR Honors
Program stood out because it pushes you to grow and meet people who care about their
future too.”
Led by Michelle Orton, the program helps students discover their strengths and lead with purpose. “We want students to be the best version of themselves,” she said. “That means supporting others, working together, and leading by example.”
With the help of scholarships from the DSU Heritage Foundation, the program is also financially accessible for qualifying students.
The TRHLP is about more than grades or resumes. It’s about building a future with meaning and stepping into leadership with heart. Students are not just preparing to lead someday. They are leading right now.