Everyone must work to live, but the purpose of life is to serve and to show compassion and the will to help others. –Albert Schweitzer

»Chapman University’s Leadership Studies Minor

The leadership studies minor at Chapman University aspires to exemplify the institution’s commitment to "Building character; transforming lives." The leadership training program offers a unique opportunity for Chapman students to enhance their understanding and practice of leadership, emphasizing not only preparation for work, but education for life. By blending classroom learning and theory with hands-on experiential exercises and fieldtrips, students have ample opportunities to apply their leadership skills in real-world situations.

Our innovative faculty are dedicated to bringing out the best in their students, inspiring profound and lasting learning and creating a genuine spirit of community which pervades the program. The leadership minor is a perfect fit for students seeking a practical and relevant complement to their chosen major while fulfilling numerous general education (GE) objectives. It is particularly appropriate for students motivated to make a positive difference in those around them through their lives and work. Students who share a desire and passion to learn... to lead... to serve



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  • Our leadership training promotes four key learning outcomes:

    • An understanding of the theory and practice of leading as a way of serving and values-based leadership
    • Increased self-awareness (leading as a way of both being and doing)
    • How to leverage individual differences and unite around a common purpose to create high-performing teams
    • Critical thinking, ethical practice and social responsibility

  • View the Leadership Minor Program Requirements (.pdf)

    *View the catalog requirements

  • Admission to the program is by invitation or nomination only. Interested students who have completed at least 15 credits (1 semester) and are in good academic standing are encouraged to contact Dr. Mark Maier, Director of the Leadership Students program.

    To nominate a student please fill out a LEAD Nomination form (.pdf)

    To apply please fill out the LEAD Application form (.pdf)

    Send applications and nominations to Dr. Mark Maier at mmaier@chapman.edu.

  • Dr. Mark Maier (Ph.D in Social Organization and Social Change- Sociology, Cornell University) is the Program Director for the Leadership Studies Minor.  He served as founding chair of Chapman's Organizational Leadership Programs from 1994-2002, and guided the program's ascension to national prominence when it garnered The Outstanding Leadership Program Award from the Association of Leadership Educators, a national consortium of leadership development experts from academia as well as the public and private sector.  He came to Chapman in 1994 to inaugurate its undergraduate and graduate programs in leadership, on the strength of his role creating one of the first academic programs devoted to leadership in the nation, the Leadership and Organization Studies Program at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Binghamton (1986-1994).

    Faculty  

    • National Society for Leadership and Success
    • Omicron Delta Kappa (National Leadership Honorary)
  • Dr. Maier can be reached at mmaier@chapman.edu or by phone at 714.628.7316.  Students may also schedule an appointment to discuss the leadership studies program with Mark by contacting Crystal de la Riva at delariva@chapman.edu or by calling 714.997.6788.  Students and prospective students are also invited to contact Mark at home c/o 714.279.0829.

Useful Links

Outside Leadership Organizations:
Intl. Leadership Association
Center for Creative Leadership
National Clearinghouse for Leadership Programs
Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership

Chapman Leadership Resources
Career Development Center
Student & Campus Life
EXCEL Leadership Peer Facilitator Program