Valparaiso University has been awarded the Carnegie Elective Classification for Leadership for Public Purpose. This prestigious designation highlights Valpo’s mission to “prepare students to lead and serve in both church and society.”
Valpo is one of only 25 universities in the United States to earn this classification in 2024, making it part of the inaugural class recognized by the Carnegie Foundation. Valpo is the only school in Indiana to hold this classification. For more information on the classification and the complete list of universities, click here.
“This honor speaks to Valparaiso University’s demonstrated commitment to provide an educational experience that prepares our graduates to lead lives of leadership and service,” said Valpo President Jose Padilla. “Our graduates are sought after for their knowledge, character, integrity, and wisdom. That translates into thoughtful, compassionate, and ethical leaders ready to take on the challenges of a complex global world.”
Leadership is central to a Valpo education, as outlined in the University’s strategic plan, Uplift Valpo: Our Beacon for the Journey Forward. The successful application for the Carnegie Foundation’s Elective Classification for Leadership for Public Purpose fulfills a key objective of this plan. This recognition will support ongoing efforts to align the campus mission, culture, leadership, resources, and practices to foster dynamic and impactful leadership.
Valparaiso University has consistently worked towards nurturing leadership qualities in its students. This effort is deeply embedded in its educational framework and strategic initiatives. The Uplift Valpo plan is a testament to this commitment, focusing on the holistic development of students and their readiness to take on leadership roles in various spheres of life.
The notification letter from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching stated, “This classification acknowledges campuses like yours that are intentionally cultivating leadership abilities across students, faculty, and staff.”
Valpo has a longstanding reputation for producing leaders in various fields. “Leadership is core to Valpo’s mission,” said Provost Eric Johnson ‘87, Ph.D. “As a Valpo graduate, who has come back to this special place and served as a faculty member, dean, and now provost, I believe that every student has the opportunity to develop and hone their leadership skills. This Carnegie recognition will drive us to develop even more impactful curricular and co-curricular initiatives across the University.”
The Carnegie Foundation’s recognition provides a platform for further enhancement of the university’s programs and initiatives aimed at fostering leadership. This achievement underscores Valpo’s dedication to creating an environment where leadership is not just taught but practiced and lived. This recognition will undoubtedly inspire the Valpo community to continue striving for excellence in leadership and service.
Valpo’s emphasis on leadership is reflected in its diverse range of programs and activities designed to develop students’ leadership skills. The Institute for Leadership and Service, the Richard C. and Francelia A. Gozon University Chair in Values-Based Leadership, Study Abroad and service-learning experiences, committed faculty, and a wide range of student organizations and activities all provide leadership opportunities for students. This holistic approach ensures that students are well-equipped to lead with integrity and wisdom in their professional and personal lives.
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