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:
- Cultivate a shared mental model of WashU’s distinctive perspective on leadership and the vehicles for leader development.
- Scale the reach of leader development across WashU’s undergraduate program.
- Build meaningful partnerships and pilot programs with constituents outside WashU’s undergraduate program—to include faculty, staff, and graduate students.
- Innovate in evidence-based leader development programs through experiments, pilots, and research partnerships.
- 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.
I feel like the program helped me increase my confidence in myself, my leadership skills, and how I approach group situations. Overall, the program has also helped encourage me to lean more into the practice of optimism.
Current Undergraduate Student, 2023-2024 Bauer Leaders Academy Coaching Participant
Our stories
Reflecting on a Semester of Leadership: Celebrating Our Fall Cohorts
As the fall semester came to a close, we gathered one last time to celebrate something truly special: the students who committed themselves to learning, growing, and leading through our Bauer Leaders Academy Cohort experience. Over the past several months, almost 100 students stepped into small-group communities designed to deepen self-awareness, strengthen interpersonal skills, and […]
Students Take on the Challenge: Leadership Through Adventure
On November 5, more than 20 students stepped into an interactive leadership experience like no other. In partnership with Adventures of Intrigue, the Bauer Leaders Academy hosted a custom escape room challenge that tested students’ collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving skills in real time. Set on a tropical island where participants had to “appease the gods” […]
Leadership Week 2025: Celebrating Leadership in Every Form
Leadership took center stage this October as the Bauer Leaders Academy wrapped up another inspiring Leadership Week – a campus-wide celebration dedicated to connection, growth, and community. The week featured events for students, staff, and faculty to explore leadership from every angle – from hands-on workshops to large-scale expos – culminating in a celebration of […]
Connect with Us
Reach out today to learn more about how the Bauer Leaders Academy can enhance your WashU experience.