New Carnegie classification focuses on leadership

The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education has unrolled the new Carnegie Elective Classification for Leadership for Public Purpose. It’s designed to recognize institutions with leadership initiatives that benefit the collective public good, including justice, equity, diversity and liberty.

The University of Cincinnati is among 25 institutions that have received Carnegie’s badge of honor.

Inside Higher Ed reports that institutions in this classification are trying to take deliberate steps to foster leadership across campus that transcends parties and political positions and aligns with the well-being of society.

Donna Chrobot-Mason, PhD, associate professor of psychology in the College of Arts and Sciences, led efforts at UC to achieve the new designation. She is also the Thornburgh Academic Director of UC's Warren Bennis Leadership Institute.

“For UC faculty and staff, receiving this honor validates their dedication and hard work in developing tomorrow’s leaders not just through the leadership skills developed in the classroom, but also through co-op, extracurricular opportunities, working in research labs and the integration of all of the above,” she explains.

“For current and future students, it sends a clear message that they should take full advantage of all that UC has to offer in the area of leadership development to stand out as ready to fully contribute to the workforce upon graduation.”

Chrobot-Mason says this designation is a strong endorsement of the work of many on campus and that it sets a bar that must be met for the future. Carnegie will re-evaluate UC again in 2030 for renewal of the designation.

“It is important that UC continues to work closely with our organizational, corporate and community partners to engage in innovative problem solving with the goal of collaborating across disciplines and sectors to solve pressing societal problems,” she says. “To solve such challenges today and in the future, we need to ensure the next generation is not only developing the skills to lead, but also the experience collaborating with others across disciplines, generations, industries and countries. 

Read the full Inside Higher Ed story online.

Learn more about UC’s work with the Carnegie Foundation online.

Featured top image shows a group of Warren Bennis Leadership student ambassadors meeting with Michael Fisher, a former CEO of Cincinnati Children's at the 1819 Innovation Hub.  Photo provided.