2025-26 Leadership Development Program
The Emerson Leadership Institute’s 2025-26 programming featured leadership development experiences for students, faculty and community leaders through workshops, speaker events and collaborative partnerships. Highlights included the inaugural and second Dignity-Based Leadership Academies, the Leadership Speaker Series, executive and faculty leadership development programs, and experiential learning opportunities that advanced dignity-based leadership, collaboration and meaningful impact across Saint Louis University and the St. Louis community.
Sept. 12–Oct. 24: Dignity-Based Leadership Program for the Archdiocese
The Dignity-Based Leadership Program brought together leaders from the Archdiocese of St. Louis to strengthen their abilities to lead with dignity, purpose and belonging. Through interactive sessions, participants developed practical skills in problem-solving, organizational change, negotiation and values-based leadership to better serve their teams, organizations and communities.
Oct. 15 and 24, 2025: Leadership Retreat for SLU Libraries
The Leadership Retreat for SLU Libraries brought the leadership team together to strengthen collaboration, self-awareness and values-based leadership. Through the CliftonStrengths assessment and interactive discussions, participants explored their individual strengths, built trust across teams and developed practical approaches to leading with authenticity and purpose.
Nov. 2, 2025: Dignity-Based Leadership Academy for SLU Students
The inaugural Dignity-Based Leadership Academy for Saint Louis University students, developed in collaboration with Barry-Wehmiller, equipped participants with leadership skills rooted in dignity, empathy and purpose. Through experiential learning, the academy explored how values-based leadership can strengthen organizations, build community and prepare students to create meaningful impact in their careers and beyond.
Nov. 3, 2025: Leadership Speaker Series With Bob Chapman
The Leadership Speaker Series welcomed Bob Chapman, chairman and CEO of Barry-Wehmiller, for a conversation on Truly Human Leadership. Drawing from the 10th anniversary edition of Everybody Matters, Chapman shared insights on leading with dignity, building cultures of trust and creating workplaces where people feel valued and empowered.
Nov. 11, 2025: OVPR Scholarship Funding Showcase
The Emerson Leadership Institute co-sponsored the Office of the Vice President for Research’s second annual Scholarship Funding Showcase, highlighting the research, collaboration and innovation taking place across Saint Louis University. The event brought together faculty, students and University leaders to celebrate scholarly excellence and explore opportunities to advance research initiatives across the University.
Jan. 21, 2026: Leadership Speaker Series With President Feser
President Edward Feser joined the Leadership Speaker Series for a conversation on the future of St. Louis and the role of Saint Louis University as an anchor institution for the region. The discussion explored the importance of collaboration, community engagement and leadership in advancing meaningful, lasting impact across the St. Louis community.
Feb. 18, 2026: Leadership Speaker Series With James Rhee
The Leadership Speaker Series welcomed James C. Rhee for a conversation on leading change with kindness and purpose. Blending insights from his book Red Helicopter with stories from his business career, Rhee explored how compassion, empathy and human-centered leadership can drive meaningful organizational transformation.
February–March 2026: SLU Executive Leadership Development
The SLU Executive Leadership Development program equipped university leaders with the skills, perspectives and tools needed to lead effectively in a complex and evolving higher education environment. Through a focus on self-awareness, collaboration and values-based leadership, participants developed strategies to strengthen teams, navigate challenges and advance meaningful impact across the University.
February–April 2026: SLU Provost Faculty Development Program
The SLU Provost Faculty Development Program supported faculty leaders in developing the skills needed to foster collaboration, advance academic excellence and lead with purpose. Through engaging discussions, reflection and practical leadership development experiences, participants explored approaches to building stronger communities, supporting colleagues and creating positive change across the University.
April 10–11, 2026: Dignity-Based Leadership Academy for SLU Students
The second Dignity-Based Leadership Academy for Saint Louis University students built on the success of the inaugural program, continuing to develop student leaders who lead with dignity, compassion and respect for others. Offered as part of the Cura Personalis course, the academy provided students with opportunities for reflection, experiential learning and leadership development centered on recognizing the inherent worth of every person.
April 24, 2026: Case Study Symposium
The Case Study Symposium showcased a collaboration between Saint Louis University’s Chaifetz School of Business and Karviva, a St. Louis-based health beverage company founded by Angela Zeng. Students presented their case-study findings on key business challenges, including supply chain strategy, pricing models, revenue growth and market expansion, applying classroom learning to real-world business questions. The symposium highlighted the value of partnerships between students, faculty and industry leaders in advancing experiential learning and innovative business solutions.