Celebrate Leadership. Build connections. Grow together.
In collaboration with campus partners, the Bauer Leaders Academy is organizing Leadership Week: a celebration of leadership development at WashU.
| Monday, October 19 | Tuesday, October 20 | Wednesday, October 21 | Thursday, October 22 | Friday, October 23 | Saturday October 24 |
| Leadership Expo – 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM – WashU Students Assembly Series Keynote Speaker Doris Kearns Goodwin – 5:30 – 6:45 PM – WashU Community | Faculty Leadership Day – 11:30 – 1:30 PM – WashU Faculty | Staff Leadership Day – 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM – WashU Staff | Partnership with the Medical Campus: Impact from Any Chair: Dynamic Leadership in Academic Medicine – 9:00 AM – 4:45 PM – WashU Medical Campus | She Leads Symposium – 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM – WashU Community | Leaders Cup – 11:00 AM – 3:30 PM – WashU Students |
What is Leadership Week?
Leadership Week is an annual celebration at WashU designed to showcase and develop leadership across campus. Through workshops, experiential activities, and community-building events, students, staff, and faculty explore, practice, and celebrate leadership in all its forms.
The Leadership Week Experience
Leadership begins with purpose—and grows through community. Leadership Week is WashU’s annual celebration of leadership in action, bringing together students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners to learn, connect, and lead in service of something greater than themselves.
Monday, October 19
Launch Leadership Week with Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and presidential biographer Doris Kearns Goodwin for Leadership for a More Perfect Union: Lessons from America at 250, presented in partnership with the Assembly Series. Before the keynote, explore the Leadership Expo to connect with campus partners and discover leadership opportunities across WashU.
Tuesday, October 20
Faculty Leadership Day brings educators together to explore leadership in teaching, scholarship, and higher education. Through collaborative conversations and professional development, faculty will connect around the shared work of developing leaders across the WashU community.
Wednesday, October 21
Dedicated to the professionals who help make WashU thrive, Staff Leadership Day offers a full day of learning, reflection, and connection. Participants will engage in leadership development experiences designed to strengthen collaboration and foster professional growth.
Thursday, October 22
In partnership with WashU Medicine, Impact from Any Chair: Dynamic Leadership in Academic Medicine brings participants together to explore leadership across disciplines and campuses through shared learning, meaningful dialogue, and collaboration.
Friday, October 23
Celebrate and elevate women in leadership through She Leads, a signature partner event featuring inspiring speakers, meaningful conversations, and opportunities to build community. Together, we’ll explore leadership, empowerment, and the impact of women shaping the future.
Saturday, October 24
Put your leadership skills to the test at Leaders Cup, a team-based competition featuring WashU and universities from across the region. Compete for a $1,000 grand prize, tackle real-world leadership challenges, and prove what your team can accomplish together.
Looking Back: Leadership Week 2025
Looking Back: Leadership Week 2024
Why We Do It
Leadership week is more than a series of events – it’s our way of strengthening WashU’s leadership culture.
We spark new ideas and possibilities by showcasing diverse leaders and their stories.
We provide hands-on opportunities to practice leadership skills that create real impact.
We honor the progress, achievements, and leadership journeys of students, staff, and faculty across our community.
Connect & Stay Updated
Get ongoing insights, events, and Leadership inspiration.