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For Tyrone Oppon, an international student splitting his undergraduate experience between Germany and the United States, leadership has become more than a skill—it’s a pathway to belonging, purpose and future opportunity.

Oppon, a sophomore at both Ohio University and the University of Bayreuth, is part of OHIO’s dual enrollment program. While his academic path bridges continents, it’s in Athens, Ohio, that he’s found an anchor in the Walter Center for Strategic Leadership—specifically through its new Leadership Launchpad initiative.

“The experience has been nothing short of incredible,” Oppon said. “I came in curious about leadership and developed a real passion for it.”

Currently pursuing the strategic leadership certificate—another key program offered by the Walter Center—Oppon is gaining a deeper understanding of leadership as something lived and practiced, not just studied.

He says the Leadership Launchpad helped him grasp the essential difference between managing and leading.

“Managing is keeping your team on track,” he said. “But leading is about inspiring people—bringing out the best in your team.”

That distinction matters to Oppon. As someone interested in sports management, he's learned that leadership is more than running the playbook. It's about motivating individuals, fostering inclusion, and allowing others to speak up—even when unsure.

He credits much of that growth to the environment created by Walter Center leaders Jennifer Traxler and Amy Toth. At his first Leadership Launchpad workshop, he recalls being struck by the welcoming atmosphere.

“They developed an environment that made me feel comfortable and ready to share,” Oppon said. “They taught me how to make sure everyone feels included and lead confidently.”

He’s also been putting that confidence into motion, speaking at multiple events to advocate for the Leadership Launchpad. Most recently, he shared his journey with the College of Business Management Advisory Board, offering a student perspective on the program’s impact.

Despite the challenge of balancing two universities and two cultures, Oppon has found a strong sense of direction through The Walter Center. And with plans to return to Germany for his junior year, then come back to Athens for his senior year, he’s taking those leadership tools with him, ready to apply them wherever he lands.

In the end, what stands out most to Oppon isn’t just what he’s learned—it’s how those lessons have shaped the person he’s becoming.

“The Walter Center helped me build confidence,” he said. “It helped me find purpose in the middle of a pretty complex academic journey. And for that, I’m really grateful.”