The OLPD Student Research Conference has proudly represented the Department of Organizational Leadership and Development commitment to students development since 2011. This year, we are especially dedicated to supporting and celebrating the achievements of our emerging scholars and researchers.
Our theme for this year, “Igniting the Future: Empowering the New Generation of Scholars and Researchers in Changing Times,” has been chosen with great care. Through the inspiring keynote presentation by Dr. Meixi, we were reminded of the importance of nurturing our fire for knowledge, encouraging us to keep the flames of curiosity alive. Additionally, the intentional sessions led by our faculty serve as a powerful commitment from our institution to provide unwavering support for our students.
This last announcement from OLPD SRC 2025, is to celebrate the work of Planning Committee, who have been putting in their times and efforts in creating this conference. In alignment with our theme, our last email is dedicated to our planning committee.
The conference is entirely driven by dedicated students, providing us with the chance to lead and learn together. We proudly welcomed 67 attendees, facilitated seven engaging student panel sessions, and connected with inspiring speakers and alumni.
In 2021, I attended the conference as an audience, questioning if I could be one of the presenters one day. As of today, concluding the same conference as the chair has been my most significant honor. It has always been clear that the OLPD Students Research Conference is a place for news scholars and research, and it was an privilege that this year, I got to work with a Planning Committee that shares the same vision. It is a reminder that as we first acknowledge our current status as new scholars and researchers, our journey forward was never meant to be alone.
Vongrathayuth Hingphith,
PhD Student and Chair of OLPD Student Research Conference 2025
As we shout out to the hard work of Ana, Ainur, Baiwen, Brittany, Endah, Emily, Giselle, MJ, Qin, and Summer, we are also ready to pass the torch to the new committee for 2026!
If you are interested in joining us and leading the 2026 OLPD Student Research Conference, send us an email of interest to olpdconf@umn.edu. We will be in touch!
Sincerely,
OLPD Student Research Conference 2025 Planning Committee