Courageous Leadership & Authentic Excellence
The 2022-23 Cohort
The 2023-24 Cohort has been selected
Academic Year Retreat
Each September students participate in a retreat wherein they are introduced to flourishing principles from the Courageous Leadership and Authentic Excellence programs through high-impact, shared experiences.
Selected Students
- Participate in a pre-program survey to measure their leadership knowledge and skills.
- Participate in meetings and activities designed to promote personal reflection, intellectual insights, and exploration of a purpose-driven life, participants will learn about courageous leadership and what it means to be a values-based leader;
- Gain an increased understanding of their own values, and those of their peers and how those values may be manifested through daily life. By learning to understand others better, participants will increase their empathy for others. They will courageously enter into discussions with respect, a sense of curiosity, humility, and openness to an honest exchange of ideas;
- Learn how to create a safe space for emotionally charged discussions;
- Learn to regulate their own emotions in order to be able to solve conflict and manage difficult and uncomfortable situations;
- Strengthen their communication skills with an emphasis on wellness as the core;
- Gain skills to help train others in their organizations to further deepen a culture of wellness and engagement across William & Mary.
As part of the curriculum of the Wellness-Centered Courageous Leadership Program, participants:
- Will take the Constructive Dialogue Institute modules;
- Participate in integrative wellness programs/events;
- Engage in active discussions about W&M’s seven core values: Respect, Belonging, Curiosity, Excellence, Flourishing, Integrity, and Service;
- Take a class from leadership options that are offered at the university;
- Meet with alumni, staff, and faculty who serve as Wellness Mentors.
Throughout the program, the cohort convenes with one another, a teaching assistant and Dr. Kelly Crace during weekly meetings. Students:
- Serve as role models for wellness, courageous leadership, expressive mindset, leading with values;
- Present programs to introduce the members of their organizations to the concepts of wellness, values, and courageous leadership;
- Work within their organizations to promote and extend a culture of wellness and engagement throughout the campus; and
- Report back to their mentors about their progress during their monthly meetings.
Benefits of Participation
- Become a part of a premier cohort at W&M building lifelong friendships and connections;
- Take part in activities designed to promote personal reflection, intellectual insights, and exploration of a purpose-driven life;
- Learn about courageous leadership and what it means to be a values-based leader;
- Gain a deeper understanding of courage and its role in leadership and in difficult conversations with those of diverse perspectives;
- Gain an increased understanding of their own values, and those of their peers and how those values may be manifested through daily life;
- Learn how to create a safe space for emotionally charged discussions;
- Strengthen communication skills with an emphasis on building proficiency in values-centered conversations, respectful dialogues, and doing disagreements well;
- Gain skills to help train others in their organizations to further deepen a culture of wellness and engagement across William & Mary.
There's no cost to participate. All expenses are paid throughout the year as a fellow. If you'd like more information, please email Dr. Kelly Crace at rkcrac@wm.edu.
