Leadership at William & Mary: A Values-Based Approach
Brought to you by the W&M Washington Center and The Studio for Teaching & Learning Innovation
Leadership at William & Mary is not just about titles or authority—it is a thoughtful and intentional practice rooted in values. As the alma mater of the nation, William & Mary has a deep legacy of cultivating leaders who shape industries, institutions, and societies. Our alumni—leaders like Robert Gates, Michael Powell, James Comey, and many others—demonstrate the power of principled leadership across government, business, and nonprofits.
Building on this rich tradition, the Modern Leadership: Reflections and Tools for the Values-Based Leader course offers a way for professionals to engage with our institutional philosophy of values-based leadership. This course reflects William & Mary’s commitment to ethical, adaptive, and forward-thinking leadership, providing a developmental journey for executive leaders, managers, and aspiring professionals. Participants will not only engage with cutting-edge leadership concepts but will also learn directly from William & Mary’s distinguished alumni leaders, who serve as featured speakers throughout the course, sharing insights from their own leadership journeys. Through a structured yet flexible framework, participants gain the tools and perspectives needed to lead with integrity, inclusivity, and strategic insight in today’s rapidly evolving professional landscape.
A Framework for Intentional Leadership
William & Mary has long been a proving ground for leadership, producing generations of change-makers who influence policy, business, and innovation. This course invites participants to explore and integrate leadership principles shaped by centuries of academic excellence, civic responsibility, and public service.
Grounded in ten essential leadership constructs—organized into five dynamic pairings—this course provides a roadmap for leaders to reflect, adapt, and grow. These constructs are not rigid rules but starting points for personal and professional leadership development. Participants will be challenged to engage deeply with these ideas, drawing on real-world examples, expert speakers, and their own experiences to refine and expand their leadership philosophy.
Each of the following leadership constructs serves as a foundation for modern leadership, guiding participants through a journey of self-discovery, practical application, and continuous growth. Together, they provide a framework for leading with clarity, confidence, and integrity in an increasingly complex world.
Wellness & TrustLeaders must first cultivate personal well-being to effectively support and inspire others. Wellness is the balance of activities, choices, and habits that sustain physical, mental, and emotional health. Paired with Trust, which is built through consistency, transparency, and ethical behavior, this module helps leaders establish strong foundations for personal resilience and team cohesion. |
Authenticity & CourageModern leadership demands both Authenticity—the alignment of values, beliefs, and actions—and Courage, the willingness to make principled decisions even in the face of uncertainty. By fostering self-awareness and integrity, leaders can build environments where people feel empowered to take bold, ethical action. |
Inclusivity & EmpathyTrue leadership thrives in diverse and dynamic environments. Inclusivity ensures that all voices are valued and integrated into decision-making, while Empathy allows leaders to understand, connect with, and uplift those they serve. Together, these qualities create cultures of belonging and innovation. |
Transparency & AccountabilityTrust and credibility are reinforced through Transparency, the practice of open and honest communication, and Accountability, the commitment to taking responsibility for actions and outcomes. Leaders who master these constructs build strong, ethical organizations that inspire trust and integrity at all levels. |
Strategic Thinking & Ethical Decision-MakingVisionary leadership requires both the foresight of Strategic Thinking—anticipating challenges and aligning actions with long-term goals—and the moral compass of Ethical Decision-Making. Leaders must balance ambition with responsibility, ensuring that their decisions align with both organizational values and the greater good. |
Moving from Management to Modern Leadership
Leadership is more than managing teams and operations—it is about fostering purpose-driven, values-based environments where individuals and organizations can thrive. The expertise of leadership development at William & Mary contributes to the strength of this program, ensuring participants engage with a rigorous and deeply rooted approach to modern leadership. This course challenges participants to move beyond the basics of management into a deeper understanding of modern leadership—where wisdom, emotional intelligence, and principled action define success.
Participants will:
- Reflect on their personal leadership philosophy.
- Develop and refine their leadership values.
- Engage in discussions on contemporary leadership challenges.
- Apply principles of values-based leadership to real-world scenarios.
By the end of this course, participants will not only have a stronger grasp of leadership fundamentals but will also be equipped to enact their values intentionally in their leadership practice, adapting and expanding these constructs as they grow.
This exploration of values-based leadership will feature conversation with experts like:
- President Katherine A. Rowe - 28th President of The College of William & Mary
- Chancellor Robert M. Gates '65, L.H.D. '98 - Former Secretary of Defense
- Michael Powell '85, D.P.S. '02 - Former Chairman of the FCC & President of NCTA
- James Comey '82 - Former Director of the FBI & Best-Selling Author
- Dr. Pamela Eddy - William & Mary Associate Provost & Expert on Higher Education Leadership
- Dr. Ann Marie Stock - W&M Presidential Liaison for Strategic Cultural Partnerships
- Daniel Ogunyemi - W&M/VIMS Director of Inclusive Excellence & Belonging
- Dr. Kelly Crace - Executive Director of the Center for Mindfulness and Authentic Excellence at UVA
At William & Mary, leadership is a journey—one that begins with values and evolves through reflection, action, and impact. With a legacy of producing principled, forward-thinking leaders across industries and sectors, William & Mary is uniquely positioned to offer a leadership program rooted in both tradition and innovation. This course blends academic excellence, real-world expertise, and the insights of accomplished alumni to equip leaders with the tools to navigate complexity with integrity and vision.
Welcome to Modern Leadership: Reflections and Tools for the Values-Based Leader.
Who is this course for?Whether you're an emerging leader, a mid-career professional, or a seasoned executive, Modern Leadership: Reflections and Tools for the Values-Based Leader is designed for those ready to take their leadership to the next level. This program welcomes individuals who are:
This program is ideal for those looking to integrate leadership into their professional identity—whether in higher education, corporate leadership, government, entrepreneurship, or nonprofit work. The first cohort of this program includes William & Mary Faculty Fellows, demonstrating the university’s commitment to growing leadership within its own academic community. The Power of And: Leadership is More Than a Title Leadership isn’t just for those with a formal leadership role—it’s about how you show up, make decisions, and influence those around you. This course is designed for people who see themselves as more than just one thing. Whether you're shaping minds in the classroom, leading projects in the boardroom, or managing change in your community, this course helps you bridge who you are with how you lead. You Are a Leader, No Matter Your Role:
At William & Mary, leadership is not just a title—it’s a journey that evolves through reflection, action, and impact. Join us and explore who you are & who you can become as a leader. |
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Course StructureThis course is structured as a module-based, asynchronous experience. Guided by facilitator support, participants will be able to converse with leaders and take a deep dive into their understanding of leadership and the topics presented. Participants will receive a guided workbook and have the opportunity to be grouped with other participants for a cohort learning experience. Additionally, through their progression in the course, participants will be paired with an expert mentor to discuss and review their culminating experience and |
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Course Benefits
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Course Details
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Registration Fees and Policies
Cancellation Policy: Cancellation will not be accepted after course registration is complete. Participants will have full access to all materials and course items immediately upon registration completion. |
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Contact Tyler Wilson, course manager, or the STLI team with any questions that you may have!