CNU is a Leadership University

Leadership is one of our core values. You can see leadership, learn about leadership and experience leadership everywhere you turn.

We advance knowledge about leadership - the 14 full time faculty in the Department of Leadership and American Studies produce important research published in peer reviewed journals, present at academic conferences, and conduct the groundbreaking Attitudes About Leadership in the United States survey.
We study leadership - major or minor in Leadership Studies and take advantage of co-curricular programs offered through the signature President’s Leadership Program with seven full-time staff, the President’s Leadership Speaker Series, and the Wason Center for Civic Leadership.
We practice leadership - President Kelly, university administrators, faculty, staff, coaches, and alumni serve as leaders on countless government, corporate, non-profit, and community boards and offer thought leadership on a range of topics.

To further its national reputation for leadership education and excellence, CNU is aligned with the standards for a leadership university as defined by the Carnegie Elective Classification for Leadership for Public Purpose—a distinction held by only 25 universities nationwide.

Four individuals stand around a short bookshelf housing a donated leadership learning library from the ILA.

Trible Library Receives Gift of Leadership Library

Donation adds depth to the University's research collection.

Lacey Grey Hunter stands at the front of the room with arms extended in front of individuals while she lectures in the community.

Taking Leadership Lessons to the Community

New program partners with local businesses to develop leaders.

Bob Colvin stands at a podium on stage with a spotlight as students in the President's Leadership Program look on

'50 years in 50 minutes'

Dr. Bob Colvin reflects on lessons in leadership in final lecture.

Abby Haney '25 created this video to tell her personal story about leadership at CNU.