Leadership Development at IWU: Cultivating Tomorrow's Changemakers

Regardless of your field of study or the courses you are enrolled in, your college experience should enable you to grow both academically and personally. Choosing a university that values integrity and accountability and promotes opportunities for student leadership will allow you to grow into a well-rounded professional ready to lead with conviction.

The Importance of Leadership Development in Higher Education

In the field of higher education, administrators and educators are charged with more than just instilling knowledge in their students — they are called upon to cultivate the changemakers of tomorrow. With a commitment to values-driven education, university educators can create opportunities for students to hone their leadership skills in hands-on settings and study the leadership theories that anchor organizational behavior in a wide range of industries. By examining the decision-making processes and challenges faced by great leaders, students can gain valuable insights to develop their own leadership skills. Leadership in higher education allows students to become more than experts in their field. Instead, they can become innovators who will impact the world around them.

Defining Transformational Leadership

Transformational leadership is considered by many to be one of the most effective leadership styles. The transformational leadership approach focuses on using influence to inspire change in those around you, and most transformational leaders are described as energetic and enthusiastic. Bringing an air of positivity to any situation, a transformational leader will be able to encourage those around them to think creatively and critically to develop innovative solutions.

Why Colleges Must Invest in Leadership

Colleges and universities need to emphasize leadership development more to meet the dynamic needs of the global economy. Far too many students are graduating from their degree programs without the soft skills required to lead others and inspire change. Leadership development programs are an essential part of the campus experience because:

• They enable students to hone core skills and the skills needed for effective leadership, such as communication, collaboration, and decision-making skills.
• They provide students with hands-on learning opportunities, giving them the ability to try out different leadership styles and approaches.
• They provide students with opportunities for feedback about their leadership style, allowing them to learn how to adapt and become a more agile leader.

Leadership Programs at IWU

At Indiana Wesleyan University, we offer a wide range of leadership development programs and ethical leadership training opportunities that are specifically tailored to students' needs. Our leadership programs are rooted in our commitment to Christ, allowing us to provide students with a value-driven experience that helps them to grow into professionals who lead with integrity and accountability.

Undergraduate Leadership Minors and Courses

Within our Division of Leadership and Followership Studies, we offer several undergraduate degree programs and courses focusing specifically on leadership development. Participants in these courses gain experiential learning by integrating their studies with community engagement projects. This allows them to develop leadership skills rooted in confidence and faith.

Faith-Based and Mission-Centered Learning

On our Christ-centered campus, students enjoy a faith-based learning experience in which they discover the importance of serving others and the reward of leading with integrity. Our leadership development programs actively motivate and encourage students to get out into the community and serve, ultimately carrying out the mission of Christ as they work to hone their leadership skills.

Co-Curricular Opportunities That Build Leaders

While the coursework required for our faith-integrated leadership programs allows students to intentionally hone their leadership skills, the co-curricular activities on campus give students the ability to take action. These activities help students develop teamwork skills and learn how to lead teams effectively. Students can cultivate leadership skills and gain practical experience for becoming impactful societal changemakers by engaging in student organizations and leadership development programs.

Leadership Workshops and Seminars

On campus, we offer a wide range of leadership workshops and seminars that all students can participate in, regardless of their major or area of study. These leadership workshops and seminars focus on many different topics, such as:

• Conflict resolution training
• Ethical leadership in professional settings
• Mentorship and coaching
• Emotional intelligence growth
• Negotiation skills development

Student Government and Campus Leadership Roles

Across campus, there are many opportunities to take on student leadership roles where you can make a difference in the IWU community. Students in leadership roles may also gain valuable experience in guiding direct reports and managing team dynamics. For example, students who join the Student Government Association at IWU can collaborate with other students and advocate for the needs of their fellow students. It’s an excellent student leadership opportunity for anyone who wants to network on campus while cultivating the essential soft skills required for success in today’s global economy.

Mentorship and Peer Leadership Programs

As part of our commitment to student leadership training, we offer mentorship and peer leadership programs that foster a deep sense of community on campus while allowing students to learn how to become servant leaders. Mentorship circles and peer leadership programs encourage the exchange of information and foster collaboration, making them a vital part of any leadership development initiative.

These programs also help students build their capacity to lead and handle greater challenges in their future careers.

Experiential Learning and Community Engagement

Leadership is not a skill that can be taught in a classroom. While university leadership courses can provide insight into leadership theories, styles, and approaches, they also allow students to explore how leadership impacts organizational behavior. The best way to become an effective leader is to get involved in the local community. On the IWU campus, aspiring leaders will find many opportunities for experiential learning and community engagement. These experiences prepare students to lead effectively within any organization.

Service-Learning and Outreach Projects

With an emphasis on servant leadership, IWU students can take on outreach projects that enable them to give back to others and live out the mission of Christ while developing critical leadership skills. Service-learning projects blend academic development with community service, allowing students to see how they can live out their faith within the scope of their chosen profession. These projects also teach students how to effectively utilize resources to achieve both academic and community goals.

Internships and Career-Linked Leadership Experience

Many degree programs at IWU require students to complete internships before graduation, giving students the ability to gain professional experience while completing their studies. Internships help students develop business acumen and improve their productivity in real-world settings. Through internships and other career-linked leadership experience opportunities, students can implement their newfound knowledge in real-world settings. Throughout these programs, students will navigate experiences that allow them to develop their leadership style organically.

Building a Culture of Ethical Leadership

With a commitment to leading by example, we seek to build a culture of ethical leadership at IWU that allows students to see the impact of effective leadership in action. IWU emphasizes the adoption of best practices in ethical leadership to ensure students see effective leadership in action. Our administrators and faculty members are encouraged to model both the servant and transformational leadership styles, allowing students to see the innate value of integrity and accountability in leadership.

Encouraging Self-Awareness and Reflection

Self-awareness is considered one of the most important leadership skills. It is essential in today’s dynamic business landscape. Self-aware leaders are more likely to empathize with those around them and develop a human-centered approach to leadership. At IWU, we encourage our students to constantly reflect on their thoughts and actions to develop a deeper sense of self-awareness.

Self-aware leaders are also better equipped to build trust within their teams and organizations, which helps foster engagement and enhance productivity.

Promoting Accountability and Integrity

We cultivate a values-driven educational experience for our students by demonstrating ethical conduct and offering extensive leadership development programs. Above all else, we prioritize accountability and integrity, as we believe these values are essential when leading others.

Strong governance is also a key component of ethical leadership and organizational success.

Lifelong Leadership Formation

During your time at IWU, you can leverage your campus leadership experience to develop new skills and adopt a preferred leadership style. But our leadership development programs are more than just training opportunities for students. These programs are designed to support lifelong leadership formation, allowing students to develop a strong foundation that they can build upon in their professional and personal lives.

IWU's leadership development programs are specifically designed to help students reach their full potential as leaders.

Alumni Impact and Leadership in Action

Throughout our extensive alumni network, you can see leadership in action. Our graduates go on to pursue professional opportunities in nearly every sector, relying heavily on their faith to guide them. The IWU Alumni Board actively works to maintain a strong alumni network, encouraging graduates to stay connected to their alma mater and live discipleship, service, and stewardship.

IWU's alumni network also provides ongoing support and resources to help graduates move their career forward.

Continuing Leadership Growth Post-Graduation

Even after you have completed your undergraduate degree program at IWU, you will find that you can still stay connected with our campus through ongoing professional development and leadership training opportunities for graduates. Not only do we offer graduate degree programs that focus on leadership development, but we also offer leadership development programs designed for working professionals. These innovative training programs and professional development opportunities allow you to focus on specific leadership skills, such as conflict resolution or vision casting, allowing you to continue to grow as a leader committed to Christ’s mission.

Learn More About Our Commitment to Developing Future Leaders at IWU

Intentional leadership training can equip you with the knowledge and skills required to develop your leadership style to become a more effective, thoughtful, and intuitive leader. The leadership development programs at Indiana Wesleyan University focus on leadership theories that allow students to learn how to transform organizational behavior and inspire innovation. Some of the leading IWU leadership programs include the online Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership degree and the online Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership degree. Both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs equip students with leadership skills that can be applied across nearly every industry, allowing graduates to advance their careers and achieve their personal goals.

Find your program and request more information today!