Warren Bennis Leadership Institute opens its doors at 1819 Innovation Hub

Through the interdisciplinary institute, staff aim to nurture emerging leaders at UC, support alumni and engage with community leaders and executives.

The institute’s name carries weight as Warren Bennis, a renowned scholar known as the “father of leadership,” served as the 22nd president of UC. He made significant contributions during his tenure, elevating the university from a municipal college to a research-oriented state-supported institution.

During his senior year, UC communications major Jack FitzGerald championed Bennis’ ideas, initiating the work that ultimately led to the inception of the institute. He organized the student-led Warren Bennis Leadership Experience in 2016, connecting with friends, family and associates of Bennis to bring leadership experts who knew or worked with Warren Bennis to campus. The sixth annual Warren Bennis Leadership Experience is scheduled for spring 2024. 

The success of the signature experience prompted Lindner faculty, staff and students to form a network, proposing their vision for a leadership institute with year-round programming to UC President Neville G. Pinto. The Lindner College of Business was chosen as the academic home for the Bennis Leadership Institute.