The University of Colorado Boulder’s Center for Leadership has significantly expanded its influence, reaching approximately 18,000 students annually through various leadership programs and organizations on campus. Established in 2020, the center aims to unify and enhance leadership initiatives, having grown from 19 affiliate programs in its inception to 48 affiliate programs today.
CU Boulder currently enrolls a total of 38,808 students, showcasing the center’s substantial impact on student leadership development. Among its notable affiliate programs are the Distinguished Speakers Board, CU Student Government, and the Engineering Leadership Program. Stefanie Johnson, Director of the Center for Leadership, remarked, “I feel like now, at this five-year mark, we’re really at this pivotal point.”
Leadership Development and Opportunities
The Center for Leadership engages students through various initiatives that include educational programs, mentorship, and leadership research. It has received national recognition, notably being included in Time Magazine’s list of best colleges for future leaders. The center’s origins trace back more than 50 years to the formation of the Presidents Leadership Class in 1972, which focused on immersive experiences and mentorship from industry leaders, including significant contributions from William Coors, president of the Adolph Coors Company.
Today, the Presidents Leadership Class remains an active program, having laid the foundation for the Center for Leadership’s establishment and ongoing efforts. Johnson emphasized, “We believe leadership is within us all, and CU Boulder has a really long and strong history of attracting and growing leaders.”
In addition to supporting affiliate programs, the Center offers its own leadership initiatives, such as the Newton Fellowship Program. This program selects top student leaders from across campus to participate in an intensive year-long leadership development experience.
Junior Happy Phatak, a current Newton fellow, described her cohort as a “powerhouse of a group.” She has already engaged in various leadership training sessions and retreats, gaining insights into authenticity and resilience in the face of challenges. “Leadership is knowing who you are first, figuring out your morals and guiding principles and following through on that while also learning from other people,” Phatak stated.
Future Vision and Goals
Looking ahead, the Center for Leadership aims to continue its investment in programs and provide students with more real-world leadership experiences, including internships and community projects throughout Boulder. Jessi Follett, Assistant Director of the Center, outlined their vision of developing “ethical and impactful leaders, or leaders of character, to go out into the world and make a difference.”
The center’s goal is for all students to recognize themselves as leaders by the time they graduate. Follett added, “By investing in students and making them really high-impact leaders, we’re reflecting well on Boulder and CU as well.” She emphasized the importance of preparing students to enter the workforce as effective employees and entrepreneurs, which aligns with Boulder’s identity.
Johnson reiterated that the Center for Leadership embraces diverse leadership styles, asserting that all students exhibit leadership in unique ways. “We believe that our students can go and change the world, and so we want to invest in that and make sure that’s how they see themselves,” she concluded.
As the Center for Leadership celebrates its five-year milestone, its ongoing commitment to fostering leadership among students remains a cornerstone of CU Boulder’s educational mission.
