Leadership Studies

Introduction

The Morse Leadership Institute is committed to creating a culture of belonging and care so students can become effective and collaborative leaders. In our leadership studies curriculum, students engage in active learning, reflective inquiry, critical thinking, empirical research, and experiential practice. While Leadership Studies are based in the social sciences, curricular initiatives include interdisciplinary contributions from the arts, humanities, sciences, applied and professional studies.

The Institute provides a minor in Leadership Studies and students from any major or program on campus may take many LDST courses. Advisors in the program will work with students to find electives or connections with majors to make the LDST minor more accessible for students to complete. The Institute supports campus partners who provide curricular, co-curricular, and extra-curricular opportunities aimed at student leadership learning so that all WWU students can engage in their desired social and professional change efforts.

Program Objectives

Students in Leadership Studies will develop knowledge in the following areas of study:

definitions, perceptions, and impacts of leadership.
cultural and contextual forces that influence leadership processes and outcomes, especially as it relates to individuals’ social experiences and identities.
theories of leadership and their implications for leadership practice and development.
leadership and power in social relations.
connections between leadership style and team effectiveness.
leadership in creating and managing change.
ethical issues and consequences of leadership action.
process of leadership and followership development.

For more information, contact the Morse Leadership Institute at 360-650-2563 or email Morse.Institute@wwu.edu.

Faculty

KAREN ROHRBAUCK STOUT (2000) Bowman Distinguished Professor of Leadership Studies and Director of the Morse Leadership Institute. BA, University of Puget Sound; MA, University of Montana; PhD, University of Utah.
HOLLY DIAZ (2013) Associate Director, Morse Leadership Institute. BA, Western Washington University; MA, Saybrook University, LIOS; MA, Antioch University; PhD Antioch University.

Programs

Undergraduate Minor

Leadership Studies Minor

Courses

Leadership Studies

Courses numbered X37; X97; 300, 400 are described in the University Academic Policies section of this catalog.