Legendary Coach Dawn Staley is partnering with the University of South Carolina’s College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management to launch The Dawn Staley Leadership Academy, beginning this semester with 110 students.
The Dawn Staley Leadership Academy is being launched to develop purpose-driven, resilient and authentic leaders through a six-credit academic program, enrichment experiences and a field-based leadership capstone. Students who complete the academy earn the Staley Scholar leadership distinction at graduation.
This academy is built on the belief that leadership is learned through discipline,
service, humility and purpose. We are preparing students not only to lead, but to
lead in ways that matter.
“Coach Dawn Staley is, by any measure, a once-in-a-generation talent and one of the most respected coaches, teachers and leaders in sports. We are grateful for her longstanding support of the college and excited to expand our partnership through this academy. Grounded in the philosophy and experiences shared in her recent book, Uncommon Favor, the academy will give our students a path from self-leadership to real-world impact,” says College of HRSM Dean Michael Sagas.
All College of HRSM students are eligible to begin with an introductory leadership course, first offered during the 2025–26 school year and again this fall, led by HRSM Executive in Residence Beverly Smith with appearances by Coach Staley. After completing this course, students will be able to apply to become a Staley Leader through a competitive interview process that considers academic achievement, leadership potential, community involvement and passion for their major and USC.
Staley Leaders will receive personalized leadership coaching, additional coursework and professional development opportunities. The academy’s three proposed courses cover self-leadership, leading people and teams, and leading for impact.
Donor-funded scholarships will support students at milestones throughout the academy. The experience will culminate in a community project, supported by an impact grant, that will put students’ leadership into practice while giving back to their communities.
Enrichment programming will include DSLA Study Tours (funded visits to corporate headquarters and championship organizations), DSLA Huddles (workshops and career coaching for students, professionals and community leaders) and DSLA Forums (a “Leader in Residence” program featuring executive talks, industry panels and campus-wide leadership conversations).
“Sitting in the same room as a trailblazer, fearless leader, authentic person, and idol is not an everyday occurrence, which is what made the class so special. I was most inspired by the fact that Coach Staley showed us how leaders can come from any background, any personality type, and any person. There are many ways to be a leader, and if we are true to ourselves and others, it is possible for anyone to make a difference,” says sport and entertainment management student Hope Thurman.
“Hearing from some of the most successful women in sports that things like consistency in our habits, perseverance, and keeping a sense of identity are far more important than having a loud voice or stacked résumé was inspiring. It showed me that success is attainable with the right mindset,” adds hospitality management student Erin Lavery.
Staley has long made teaching and leadership a priority even beyond basketball, highlighted by her selection as one of the rare sports figures elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. The City of Columbia erected a statue of Staley to honor her commitment to leadership, community empowerment and uplifting future generations as much as her coaching legacy.