Impact

We aspire to differentiate WashU as the premier institution for developing purpose-driven leaders of character and capability.

Our vision for the future is audacious and we have much to do. In our first year, we are focused on five specific objectives:

1. Cultivate a shared mental model of WashU’s distinctive perspective on leadership and the vehicles for leader development.
2. Scale the reach of leader development across WashU’s undergraduate program.
3. Build meaningful partnerships and pilot programs with constituents outside WashU’s undergraduate program—to include faculty, staff, and graduate students.
4. Innovate in evidence-based leader development programs through experiments, pilots, and research partnerships.
5. Secure resources for the long-term sustainability and broadening impact of the Bauer Leaders Academy.

Outcomes

As we embark on our work, we are encouraged by the promising impact of pilot programs that preceded the Bauer Leaders Academy:

• In the Fall of 2022, we piloted our work with a first-year seminar for the Danforth Scholars Program, housed in the Office of Scholar Programs, focused on exploring purpose, strengths, and values. We guided students to create a statement of personal purpose and complete a capstone project—a vision board embodying their personal purpose.
• In the Spring of 2023, we piloted a leadership coaching program in partnership with the Office of Scholar Programs. With a focus on emotional intelligence, students worked to define and refine targeted leadership skills. 
• The results of these pilot programs substantiated the value of leadership development efforts focused on undergraduate students, encouraging us to continue to scale our efforts through the establishment of the Bauer Leaders Academy.