What conditions best facilitate human innovation, fulfillment, and advancement?
A new program at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) invites future business leaders to explore this question. The Mortimer J. Adler Fellowship in Transformational Leadership, a five-day program for MBA candidates and alumni, is dedicated to educating business leaders who are grounded in character, purpose, and human excellence.
An inaugural class of 35 individuals launched the program on March 15-19. Over five days of leadership development sessions led by Dr. Michael Ryall, Dr. Jeremy Wilkins, and Dr. Joshua Harris, fellows explored the moral foundations of leadership, the role of character in decision-making, and practical methods for aligning professional purpose with personal values.
“Words cannot adequately convey how transformative this experience was,” said participant Mali Hanner. “The depth of character, kindness, and insight among my peers and faculty challenged me to reflect deeply on who I am — and who I want to become as a leader.”
The Adler Fellowship is operated by FAU’s Madden Center for Value Creation with support from the Charles Koch Foundation (CKF).
“True leadership flows from virtuous character and purposeful action,” said CKF Executive Director Ryan Stowers. “We are excited that future executives now have a place to explore how principles like human dignity, openness, and mutual benefit — which is the idea that individuals improve their own lives by improving the lives of others — drive human flourishing, innovation, and advancement.”
Participants will continue their studies this summer with a structured practice lab that will help them integrate leadership practices into their professional internships or roles.
Read more about the Mortimer J. Adler Fellowship in Transformational Leadership.