25 U.S. colleges and universities, including 17 who are affiliated with the International Leadership Association, have been recognized as leaders in this groundbreaking initiative and been named an inaugural Carnegie Leadership for Public Purpose Classification recipient.

The inaugural Carnegie Leadership for Public Purpose Classification recognizes institutions that are building a generation of leaders dedicated to the public good through their commitment to  “campus-wide efforts to advance leadership in pursuit of public goods like justice, equity, diversity, and liberty”  something aligns perfectly with ILA’s purpose to “advance the practice and study of leadership for a just and thriving future.”  

ILA Members Take Center Stage

ILA members have been instrumental in this initiative, playing key roles from the very beginning. Furthermore, as ILA President Cynthia Cherrey shared, “The Leadership for Public Purpose Classification works beautifully in synergy with the work of ILA’s Committee for the Advancement of Leadership Programs.” Two of the key publications that have come out of the committee, Guiding Questions: Guidelines for Leadership Education Programs and General Principles for Leadership Programs can be utilized by those applying for the classification as they consider their institutions approach to leadership education and development. Cherrey expressed her appreciation for the work of committee members past and present and to those who have served as “bridges between both initiatives.”

ILA’s Role on The National Advisory Council

The ILA is proud to  play a part in this initiative and to have ILA members serving  on the Leadership for Public Purpose National Advisory Committee. Established to advise on updates to the classification and on best practices in the field, the committee’s key responsibilities are to act as ambassadors for the classification, advise on framework revisions, advise on the review process and reviewer qualifications, and advise on policies and programming as requested.  ILA members on the committee include Bruce Avolio, David Day, Jennifer Moss Breen, Michael Chikeleze, Jonathan Heller, Stefanie Johnson, Donnette Noble,  Cindy Pace,  Sherylle Tan, and Cynthia Cherrey.

Will Your Institution Be the Next Recipient?

ILA is offering resources to help institutions interested in the Leadership for Public Purpose Classification. CALP is piloting a consulting arm to both guide aspiring applicants and work with recipients on achieving the goals they set in their application. Additionally, ILA’s Global Conference in Chicago features insightful sessions:

• Presidential Leadership for Public Purpose: Insights from the Carnegie Elective Classification — Distinguished leaders at inaugural recipient institutions will discuss how they are embedding public purpose into their core missions and how leadership at the presidential and provostial levels can drive meaningful, lasting impact in their communities and beyond.
• Carnegie Elective Classification for Leadership for Public Purpose: Advancing DEIB in Higher Ed — Discover how Valparaiso University used the classification process to energize their campus around diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
• Using the ILA “General Principles for Leadership Programs” in Your Organization —  Workshop attendees will explore ILA’s “General Principles for Leadership Programs” and how to integrate them into program design and review.

The next round of applications begins 13 January 2025 and runs through 10 April 2026.