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Leadership is within us all.

The Center for Leadership, founded in fall 2020 under the direction of then Chancellor Philip P. DiStefano, serves as a multidisciplinary leadership hub to support, connect, and elevate leadership programs, resources, and research across the university.

We exist to help all students reach their leadership potential, in alignment with the Chancellor'sÌýstrategic priority of being a student-centered campus community. We also engage faculty, staff, and the broader external community in their leadership development so they can have a greater impact around the world. As an incubator for scholarship on leadership, we seek to bolster rigorous interdisciplinary inquiry to showcase ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ faculty research.

CU Buffs lead by continuously developing character and skills to unite and inspire others to benefit humanity's most pressing challenges.

Mission & Vision

ÌýÌý Our mission is to invest in the leadership potential of all students and elevate leadership education at the ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ through collaboration with internal and external communities.

ÌýÌý Our vision is aÌýworld where leaders of character meet the needs of humanity.

How We Lead

Our PEAK Model is the foundation of everything we do:

  • Pathways: We ensure every student has an entry point into leadership development, tailored to their interests and aspirations—no matter their background or experience. Through over 40 affiliate programs, flexible entry points like the Boulder-CU Leadership Program and Emerging Leaders Academy, and inspiring public events like the Leo Hill Speaker Series, we make leadership accessible, inclusive, and personal.
  • Education: We offer both academic and experiential leadership programs to help students grow with purpose. These programs combine theory with hands-on learning to help students lead with confidence and impact.
  • Affiliates: We partner with over 40 campus programs to create a diverse leadership ecosystem. This collaboration makes leadership education accessible and relevant to all students. In offering shared resources, professional development, and exclusive opportunities like the Newton Fellowship we are able to offer opportunities deepen impact and collaboration across disciplines.
  • Knowledge: We integrate research into every aspect of leadership education. By collaborating with faculty and students on cutting-edge projects, applying data-driven insights, and using rigorous evaluation methods, we ensure our programs are grounded in theory and continuously improving. This commitment to evidence-based practice helps us stay at the forefront of leadership development.

Values & Guiding Principles

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EXCELLENCE

We strive for outstanding performance in ourselves and others. We focus on improving by collaborating with others.

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OPEN MINDEDNESS

We actively seek new people, ideas, information, lived experiences, world views, and arguments. We try new things and consider new ideas in order to learn.

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HONESTY & INTEGRITY

We speak and act consistent with the highest ethical standards. We strive to do the right thing, regardless of the consequences for ourselves.

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COMMITMENT

We are dedicated to our mission and tenacious in the face of obstacles. We are passionate and persistent in pursuit of long-term goals.

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RESPECT FOR OTHERS

We respect the rights, differences, and dignity of everyone. We value the strength that diverse perspectives bring to our team efforts.