George and Carol Bauer Leaders Academy

To create a brighter future, the world needs people who can take action and inspire others to address challenges large and small. This is a central part of WashU’s mission—to ‘act in service of truth through the formation of leaders, the discovery of knowledge and the treatment of patients for the betterment of our region, our nation and our world.’ The Bauer Leaders Academy provides opportunities for WashU community members—particularly students—to develop and grow as leaders of character and capability.

Our approach to leader development

To have a positive impact on society, leaders must not only be equipped with the critical thinking skills needed to decide what needs to be done. They also must know how to get things done—to have the self-awareness and interpersonal skills that undergird effective leadership.

WashU is committed to helping every person. Our students are academically outstanding. But many young people don’t have the space and guidance needed to reflect and develop a purpose-driven leadership style. Our approach (see program pamphlet) to leader development helps people understand their purpose and develop foundational skills in communication, teamwork, and building trust.

We aspire to differentiate WashU as the premier institution for transforming people into purpose-driven leaders of character and capability. We believe everyone—regardless of formal status, position, or rank—has the capacity to lead by building trust and positively influencing others. By developing purpose-driven leaders, we will fulfill WashU’s mission to have a positive impact on society.
Andrew Knight, Executive Director of the George and Carol Bauer Leaders Academy and Senior Advisor to the Chancellor for Leadership