Trainings, Keynotes, Workshops, Retreat Facilitation, Seminars, and More!

Students from all corners of the country have called upon Rick Barnes to deliver powerful messages in a practical, approachable style. Rick works hard to appeal to students' common sense and their basic desire to make the most of their college leadership experiences. Rick has been a featured speaker on more than 800 college campuses!

"Rick presentation was not what I expected, it was better. I wish SDSU could have him speak every semester."

Tara J Fastert
South Dakota State University
January 2007

Drink Think:
A Personal Approach to Alcohol

Alcohol is the most widely used and misused substance in our colleges and universities today. Alcohol is no stranger on campus. Alcohol problems are no stranger on campus either. This program goes beyond the rules and regulations, and addresses the personal choice concerning alcohol use. This is a fun, interactive, yet serious discussion about alcohol use on campus.

Note from Rick:

This is currently my number one program! “Drink Think” qualifies for an NCAA grant if athletes are included. If you have been looking for a solid general alcohol education and responsibility program that speaks to the realities of today’s students, this is it. “Drink Think” is a perfect program for new students, fraternities and sororities, convocation, athletes, alcohol awareness week, or simply as a general student health and wellness presentation. Don’t forget about National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week!

Lead Your Way To The Top!

This program takes a fun, interactive approach to leadership. “Lead Your Way To The Top” goes beyond the basics, addressing organizational change theory, specifically addressing the role of the leader in the process. Participants have the opportunity to challenge themselves throughout the presentation as principles of leadership are shared.

Note from Rick:

I spent years of study and experience developing this program. I go beyond the basics. We’re not talking about how to run better meetings or goal setting. This program works very well with leadership programs, workshops, conferences, etc. I approach leadership from a new perspective that touches on theory, yet without all the jargon that confuses the real issues.

Hazing: When Will It End?

This program takes an honest look at hazing, the problems it causes and the reasons it continues to exist on campus. Participants are challenged to take a serious look at how they work with their newest members. Hazing definitions are covered. Organization principles violated by hazing are highlighted. Necessary changes in moving from historical training of new members to a more contemporary role of new member education is addressed.

Note from Rick:

This program is generally presented to fraternity and sorority audiences. However, I have a version that is language specific to student-athletes. Talk with me about your specific needs. This program qualifies for an NCAA grant if presented to athletes. Don’t forget about National Hazing Prevention Week!

Leading With Your Letters

Isn’t it time to get fired up about being Greek?! This keynote presentation challenges audience members to get excited about membership in their organization. This high-energy program addresses the issues facing fraternities and sororities, and leaves the participants with the desire to get out there and make a difference.

Note from Rick:

This is my all-encompassing “Go Greek” message. It is very popular for fraternity and sorority general audiences, particularly with conferences, Greek Week programs, etc. I am a HUGE supporter of the fraternity and sorority movement, but I know we have our challenges. Let’s get started right now as we Lead With Our Letters!

Building the Whole Athlete

In this program, intercollegiate athletes are challenged to excel in their given sport as well as in life. The positive development of the individual, including intellectual, spiritual, social and moral are covered, in addition to physical, which is already such a major factor for student-athletes.

Note from Rick:

This program is targeted to student-athletes, trainers, athletic directors, coaches, and others involved with campus athletic departments. Intercollegiate athletics plays such a key role on most college campuses. The student-athletes involved in these programs need to realize that they have a huge opportunity to excel in every area of their life. I enjoy helping them with this process. Of course, “Building the Whole Athlete” qualifies for the NCAA Grant program.

Dying To Be Greek

This program addresses the unfortunate reality that although fraternity and sorority members commit to one-another we also sometimes open the door to unfortunate incidents that sometimes lead to fatal circumstances. This program challenges members to re-commit to our original purpose.

Note from Rick:

This is my newest program for a fraternity/sorority audience. In the Fall of 2004 we experienced three major deaths at the University of Colorado, Colorado State University and the University of Oklahoma that really triggered the development of this program. The is a perfect program for Greek convocation, Greek Week, or any other time when the fraternity/sorority community or national organization needs a strong program on purpose, values and commitment.