A New Minor in Leadership, Spirituality, and Social Innovation

From the classroom to the C-suite, our world is more global than ever. This means that building the foundational tools to understand and work with people across spiritual traditions is an important asset for everyone. The Leadership, Spirituality, and Social Innovation minor helps students unlock their potential and learn to lead with purpose. Equipped with the tools to thrive in a modern, religiously diverse world, they can make a difference—no matter their major or career goals.

“I decided to minor in Leadership, Spirituality, and Social Innovation because it strengthens the principles I believe in. These include community strength, faith, and responsibility,” notes Bette Jane Gindi. She’s a junior in the program who is majoring in Social Work. “In my opinion, genuine leadership is about supporting others. It’s about upholding customs and promoting their success. I support an active community by participating in initiatives, contributing to community organizations of all kinds, and supporting local businesses. Until I discovered this minor, I didn’t realize I could formally enhance my values in a university setting through professional development.”

Through courses like Multifaith Leadership in the 21st Century as well as Religion, Conflict Transformation, and the Future of Democracy, students develop the competencies they need to navigate religious, spiritual, and secular dimensions of the world. These courses examine global topics—like race, immigration, and economic disparity—against a backdrop of social justice and peacemaking.

At the same time, courses help students refine their personal leadership styles. Students interrogate various issues, like understanding regret, to reflect on what truly matters. Additionally, they explore wisdom traditions to help build a meaningful mindfulness practice.

“The most important thing I’ve learned through this minor is being okay with sitting with what is,” says Sky Young. Sky’s a senior who is majoring in Applied Psychology and Public Policy. “This means being okay with my present and understanding how it connects to my past and future. This skill has helped me ground myself in some of the most challenging moments I have ever faced.”

The minor prepares students for careers in a multitude of fields. Specifically, these include community development, health care, education, social work, policymaking, journalism, law, human rights, and religious leadership.

“For many community members, faith is directly correlated to leadership development, values, and worldviews,” says Melissa Carter. She’s the senior director for Global Spiritual Life. What’s more, Carter teaches a popular course on mindfulness as part of the minor. “As our students move on from their collegiate experience and enter additional pluralistic environments, these classes help them explore how to bring their whole selves to any environment by deeply examining their beliefs, understanding diverse perspectives, and practicing tools of self-regulation to support their authentic living.”

With this in mind, after graduation, Sky plans to pursue a PhD and continue his research into how environmental factors can be addressed to alleviate mental health crises in adolescents and young adults. Similarly, Bette Jane plans to pursue a master’s degree in social work and focus on a career with a positive social impact.