About the Global Leadership Center
The Global Leadership Center (GLC) offers a unique two-year undergraduate Global Leadership certificate program that prepares students to become lifelong learners in order to serve as internationally-minded, locally engaged, skilled, attuned, professional, and experienced leaders in all walks of life (commercial, governmental and nongovernmental, educational, etc.). Our certificate program is a curricular and co-curricular program, which is designed to enhance and provide training and key competencies of global leadership. Through experiential learning approaches, the problem-based program prepares students to function in the global environment, regardless of field of speciality. GLC's values are rooted in the development of leadership through professional and cultural experiences, where students learn first hand the skills and traits necessary to navigate any obstacles or challenges with which they are confronted.
Global Leadership Center courses are not traditional classes. Instead, GLC students work on real world projects in teams comprised of both Ohio University students and students from international universities partnering with the program. Every class of GLC students completes four professional projects, one per semester. Through this project based learning style, students become versed in leadership, team work, cross cultural understanding, and professionalism. This provides students the opportunity to build their resume and gain invaluable real world experience. Project themes have ranged from culture and religion, to health and biotechnology, from domestic and international politics, to tourism and media, and from criminal and juvenile justice to business and economics. These interdisciplinary projects are the result of partnership and collaboration with national and international organizations and institutions.
Each project challenges students to equip themselves with the knowledge and skills required to thrive, excel, and perform in a rapidly changing world. Students will discern for themselves what is needed to answer the given project charge. Through this process students realize the inherent complexities and interconnectedness of the world which allows them to understand and assess the potential outcomes and consequences for those potentially affected by the application of their work. Project based learning also changes the role of GLC faculty members. Rather than providing students specific instructions, faculty advise, council, and provide constant feedback on all aspects of a project. Ultimately the dynamics and quality of the class are student driven. Upon completion of the program each student will have developed a set of skills valuable to a leader in any field.
The GLC does not endorse any one definition of leadership, but provides students with an environment and the opportunity to explore and experience what leadership is and means for themselves. This allows students to come to their own understanding of what it means to be a leader, both in their own community and internationally, as well as what kind of leader they are or want to become.
A few videos about the GLC
Here are a few recent videos about Global Leadership Center activities
The Killing Fields Smot Singing
Radio Interview
Former Director Brook Beshah discusses the GLC with Leipzig University Radio Mephisto
25 Years of German Unity celebration at Ohio University
In 2015, the Global Leadership Center led a celebration 25 years of German Unity, as well as Ohio University’s continued partnership with Leipzig University.
The esteemed guest of honor for the Sept. 30, 2015 program was His Excellency Herbert Quelle, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Midwest region of the U.S. Consul General Quelle provided the keynote speech for the event.