University Park, Pa. — Penn State President Graham Spanier announced today the creation of the Presidential Leadership Academy, a leadership development program being established through a $5 million gift to the University from alumni Edward R. and Helen S. Hintz. The Hintzes have served Penn State in key volunteer roles over many years and are among the University's most generous benefactors.
The academy is structured to develop critical thinking skills and have participating students apply those skills to decisions on complex public policy, societal and global issues that they may encounter in coming years as leaders in business, industry, government and communities.
"It is our responsibility to prepare students to understand that the most difficult decisions in today's world require the examination of all sides of an issue," Spanier said. "Through this initial generous gift, Penn State is taking a preeminent role in grooming students to effectively lead in a changing, challenging world."
The program will initially select students for enrollment in the fall of their sophomore year. By fall 2011, total enrollment will be 90 students, 30 in each class of sophomores, juniors and seniors.
This spring, 30 students will be selected for the inaugural class.
To be considered for the program, students must complete an application, submit a resume, and receive two letters of recommendation, one from a faculty member and another from a mentor, supervisor, coach or staff member.
"Students admitted into the Presidential Leadership Academy will have already demonstrated the fundamentals of good leadership early in their careers," Spanier said. "Through the academy, they will have opportunities to put into practice the problem-solving and decision-making skills that produce effective results for the constituencies they represent."
Over a student's three-year enrollment in the academy, the following will be required:
-- completion of a one-credit introductory seminar led by the president of the University;
-- completion of two additional courses for a total of six credits, courses that will emphasize critical thinking and will be identified from diverse disciplines in the University;
-- completion of a one-credit capstone experience demonstrating critical thinking, analysis and decision-making; and
-- participation in at least three field experiences, trips planned annually by the academy that will give students a broader perspective on social and political issues.
Supplementing these requirements will be the assignment of a faculty adviser to each academy student and participation in lectures, events and activities sponsored by the academy to address topical issues.
Upon graduation and completion of the Presidential Leadership Academy, students will be able to:
-- identify, evaluate and construct inductive and deductive arguments;
-- recognize and assess arguments in various forms of reasoning; and
-- distinguish the functions of language and its capacity to express and influence meaning.
In making the gift, the Hintzes said, "We are pleased to help create President Spanier's initiative. It is our hope that, over time, the program will expand and that these useful thought processes will find application throughout Penn State."
Spanier said, "Once again, an act of generous philanthropy is transforming Penn State and providing a tremendous opportunity for its students that will change their lives and the lives of those who will benefit from their leadership in the future."