Presidents Leadership Class
Encyclopedia
The Presidents Leadership Class (PLC) at the University of Colorado at Boulder
is one of the oldest collegiate leadership programs in the United States . A four-year academic and experiential learning program for top students at the University of Colorado at Boulder
, it is owned and operated by the Presidents Leadership Class, Inc., an independent, nonprofit organization in partnership with the University of Colorado at Boulder
.
, Dean of Admissions at the University of Colorado, and Terry Heineman, Assistant Director of Admissions. In order to attract top students to the University, PLC founders believed that a leadership program should be added to an existing merit scholarship program.
Douglas believed it important to involve a number of outstanding leaders in the state to lend additional credibility to the concept of a leadership program. He enlisted William Coors
, then President of Adolph Coors Company
, to help lead the effort.
The Presidents Leadership Class was named to honor the president of the University of Colorado as well as the corporate presidents and executives involved in the program’s formation.
The first Board of Directors included: William Coors
, President of the Adolph Coors Company
; Emmett Heitler, Executive Vice President of Samsonite
Corporation; Theodore Brown, President of First National Bank of Denver; Frank Raggio, a Martin-Marietta executive; Al Flanagan, president of Denver’s TV Channel 9, KUSA-TV
, and later president of Gannett Broadcasting; and William Douglas
, Dean of Admissions, Registrar and Financial Aid at the University of Colorado at Boulder
.
. Students wishing to become part of the Presidents Leadership Class apply to the program during their senior year of high school through the website http://www.presidentsleadershipclass.org. Applications are due on February 1. PLC receives over 500 applications each year for the 50 positions.
The application consists of a detailed history of a student’s academic record, test scores, community service, leadership roles, and extracurricular activities. Additionally, applicants are required to write five short essays and submit two detailed letters of recommendation.
From 500 applications, PLC selects 200 students to participate in interviews with a panel of judges composed of alumni, government and community leaders, parents, and university officials.
PLC accomplishes its mission by attracting to the University of Colorado at Boulder
the most outstanding undergraduate students and providing them with academic and real-life experiences that:
Note: Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines extraordinary as 1. “going beyond what is usual, regular or customary,” and, 2. “exceptional to a very marked extent.”
Year one introduces content such as leadership theory, ethical frameworks, and community issues in leadership. Although the value of each of these content areas is important, the primary focus of the first year is to use this content as a medium for instilling a capability for stunning execution of fundamental leadership skills. Our goal is for the majority of scholars to leave the first year with strong informational literacy, clear oratory skills, incisive writing capability, and a set of clear methods for thinking critically. With scholars fundamentally sound in key leadership skills after their first year, the second year deepens scholars’ knowledge of methods and content within their field of study. Scholars are expected to acquire more breadth and depth when diagnosing and intervening with leadership problems that are often multifaceted. This is accomplished through scholars increasingly providing expertise from their disciplinary lens and also gathering expertise from scholars coming from divergent viewpoints in attempts to generate innovative solutions to complex problems. Involvement in applied internship experiences during the second year also serves to deepen students’ breadth and depth of knowledge.
Scholars enter the third and fourth year expected to engage in “real world” activities such as crafting policy statements, interacting with international policy leaders, and ultimately applying for grants to fund their own original leadership ideas.
The program culminates in the awarding of a Leadership Certificate upon graduation from the University of Colorado at Boulder
. The Leadership Certificate is considered equivalent to a minor in Leadership Studies
, and is recognized by employers and graduate schools.
but managed by an independent, nonprofit board of directors. Made up of community leaders, government officials, PLC alumni, and current students, the Board is responsible for overseeing all facets of PLC.
University of Colorado at Boulder
The University of Colorado Boulder is a public research university located in Boulder, Colorado...
is one of the oldest collegiate leadership programs in the United States . A four-year academic and experiential learning program for top students at the University of Colorado at Boulder
University of Colorado at Boulder
The University of Colorado Boulder is a public research university located in Boulder, Colorado...
, it is owned and operated by the Presidents Leadership Class, Inc., an independent, nonprofit organization in partnership with the University of Colorado at Boulder
University of Colorado at Boulder
The University of Colorado Boulder is a public research university located in Boulder, Colorado...
.
History
The Presidents Leadership Class was founded in 1972 by William DouglasWilliam Douglas
-of Douglas:*William Douglas, 1st Earl of Douglas *William Douglas, 6th Earl of Douglas *William Douglas, 8th Earl of Douglas -of Angus:*William Douglas, 2nd Earl of Angus -of Douglas:*William Douglas, 1st Earl of Douglas (c. 1327–1384)*William Douglas, 6th Earl of Douglas (1425–1440)*William...
, Dean of Admissions at the University of Colorado, and Terry Heineman, Assistant Director of Admissions. In order to attract top students to the University, PLC founders believed that a leadership program should be added to an existing merit scholarship program.
Douglas believed it important to involve a number of outstanding leaders in the state to lend additional credibility to the concept of a leadership program. He enlisted William Coors
William Coors
William Coors is the grandson of Adolph Coors, the founder of the Coors Brewing Company. William Coors has been affiliated with the company for 64 years, and was a board member from 1973 to 2003.-Biography:Mr. Coors was born in Colorado on August 11, 1916...
, then President of Adolph Coors Company
Adolph Coors Company
The Golden, Colorado Adolph Coors Company was formerly a holding company controlled by the heirs of founder Adolph Coors. Its principal subsidiary is the Coors Brewing Company. It was founded in 1873....
, to help lead the effort.
The Presidents Leadership Class was named to honor the president of the University of Colorado as well as the corporate presidents and executives involved in the program’s formation.
The first Board of Directors included: William Coors
William Coors
William Coors is the grandson of Adolph Coors, the founder of the Coors Brewing Company. William Coors has been affiliated with the company for 64 years, and was a board member from 1973 to 2003.-Biography:Mr. Coors was born in Colorado on August 11, 1916...
, President of the Adolph Coors Company
Adolph Coors Company
The Golden, Colorado Adolph Coors Company was formerly a holding company controlled by the heirs of founder Adolph Coors. Its principal subsidiary is the Coors Brewing Company. It was founded in 1873....
; Emmett Heitler, Executive Vice President of Samsonite
Samsonite
The Samsonite Corporation makes luggage with its products ranging from large suitcases to small toiletries bags and briefcases. It was started in Denver, Colorado, USA in 1910 byJesse Shwayder, as the Shwayder Trunk Manufacturing Company. Shwayder named one of his initial cases "Samson", after the...
Corporation; Theodore Brown, President of First National Bank of Denver; Frank Raggio, a Martin-Marietta executive; Al Flanagan, president of Denver’s TV Channel 9, KUSA-TV
KUSA-TV
KUSA, channel 9, is an NBC-affiliated television station in Denver, Colorado. KUSA is owned by the Gannett Company, and is a sister station to MyNetworkTV affiliate KTVD...
, and later president of Gannett Broadcasting; and William Douglas
William Douglas
-of Douglas:*William Douglas, 1st Earl of Douglas *William Douglas, 6th Earl of Douglas *William Douglas, 8th Earl of Douglas -of Angus:*William Douglas, 2nd Earl of Angus -of Douglas:*William Douglas, 1st Earl of Douglas (c. 1327–1384)*William Douglas, 6th Earl of Douglas (1425–1440)*William...
, Dean of Admissions, Registrar and Financial Aid at the University of Colorado at Boulder
University of Colorado at Boulder
The University of Colorado Boulder is a public research university located in Boulder, Colorado...
.
Membership
Each year, the Presidents Leadership Class selects 50 of the most exemplary freshman students attending the University of Colorado at BoulderUniversity of Colorado at Boulder
The University of Colorado Boulder is a public research university located in Boulder, Colorado...
. Students wishing to become part of the Presidents Leadership Class apply to the program during their senior year of high school through the website http://www.presidentsleadershipclass.org. Applications are due on February 1. PLC receives over 500 applications each year for the 50 positions.
The application consists of a detailed history of a student’s academic record, test scores, community service, leadership roles, and extracurricular activities. Additionally, applicants are required to write five short essays and submit two detailed letters of recommendation.
From 500 applications, PLC selects 200 students to participate in interviews with a panel of judges composed of alumni, government and community leaders, parents, and university officials.
Scholarships
All members of the Presidents Leadership Class are given an initial scholarship award in the amount of $500 per semester. To supplement that award, all PLC students are given exclusive opportunities to compete for other scholarships—a PLC student has the potential to be awarded upwards of $12,000 throughout their college career from PLC opportunities alone.The Mission
The mission of the Presidents Leadership Class is to develop extraordinary leaders.PLC accomplishes its mission by attracting to the University of Colorado at Boulder
University of Colorado at Boulder
The University of Colorado Boulder is a public research university located in Boulder, Colorado...
the most outstanding undergraduate students and providing them with academic and real-life experiences that:
- 1. instill the habits that leaders need to be innovative, strategic, and service-oriented,
- 2. inculcate a deep knowledge of leadership theory, practice, and the context in which leaders operate, and
- 3. hone the skills necessary to solve problems and lead effectively in a variety of situations.
Note: Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines extraordinary as 1. “going beyond what is usual, regular or customary,” and, 2. “exceptional to a very marked extent.”
The Program
The curriculum of the Presidents Leadership Class takes a measured approach to leadership development across a scholar’s four years in the program. It begins with the premise that extraordinary leadership relies first on a strong base of leadership skills executed with stunning results and second with knowledge of methods and content.Year one introduces content such as leadership theory, ethical frameworks, and community issues in leadership. Although the value of each of these content areas is important, the primary focus of the first year is to use this content as a medium for instilling a capability for stunning execution of fundamental leadership skills. Our goal is for the majority of scholars to leave the first year with strong informational literacy, clear oratory skills, incisive writing capability, and a set of clear methods for thinking critically. With scholars fundamentally sound in key leadership skills after their first year, the second year deepens scholars’ knowledge of methods and content within their field of study. Scholars are expected to acquire more breadth and depth when diagnosing and intervening with leadership problems that are often multifaceted. This is accomplished through scholars increasingly providing expertise from their disciplinary lens and also gathering expertise from scholars coming from divergent viewpoints in attempts to generate innovative solutions to complex problems. Involvement in applied internship experiences during the second year also serves to deepen students’ breadth and depth of knowledge.
Scholars enter the third and fourth year expected to engage in “real world” activities such as crafting policy statements, interacting with international policy leaders, and ultimately applying for grants to fund their own original leadership ideas.
The program culminates in the awarding of a Leadership Certificate upon graduation from the University of Colorado at Boulder
University of Colorado at Boulder
The University of Colorado Boulder is a public research university located in Boulder, Colorado...
. The Leadership Certificate is considered equivalent to a minor in Leadership Studies
Leadership studies
Leadership studies is a multidisciplinary academic field of study that focuses on leadership in organizational contexts and in human life. Leadership studies has origins in the social sciences , in humanities , as well as in professional and applied fields of study...
, and is recognized by employers and graduate schools.
Results
In a recent survey, 91% of PLC alumni responded that PLC has helped them perform at a higher level in their career as compared to other college graduates.Board of directors
The Presidents Leadership Class is unique because it is based at the University of Colorado at BoulderUniversity of Colorado at Boulder
The University of Colorado Boulder is a public research university located in Boulder, Colorado...
but managed by an independent, nonprofit board of directors. Made up of community leaders, government officials, PLC alumni, and current students, the Board is responsible for overseeing all facets of PLC.
Alumni Network
Founded in 1972, the Presidents Leadership Class boasts an active alumni network of more than 1800. All PLC students are given access to this network to find jobs, mentors, and friends whenever desired.Former Speakers
Past speakers at PLC events have included:- Dr. Jim CollinsJames C. CollinsJames C. "Jim" Collins, III is an American business consultant, author, and lecturer on the subject of company sustainability and growth. Jim Collins frequently contributes to Harvard Business Review, Business Week, Fortune and other magazines, journals, etc...
– Best selling author of Good to GreatGood to GreatGood to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap... and Others Don't is a 2001 management book by James C. Collins that aims to describe how companies transition from being average companies to great companies and how companies can fail to make the transition...
and Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary CompaniesBuilt to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary CompaniesBuilt to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies is a book written by Jim Collins and Jerry I. Porras on October 26, 1994. The book outlines the results of a six-year research project into what makes enduring great companies...
. - Governor Richard LammRichard LammRichard Douglas "Dick" Lamm is an American politician, Certified Public Accountant, college professor, and lawyer. He served three terms as 38th Governor of Colorado as a Democrat and ran for the Reform Party's nomination for President of the United States in 1996.He is currently the Co-Director...
– Former governor of the State of Colorado. - Representative Cory GardnerCory GardnerCory Scott Gardner is the Republican U.S. Representative for Colorado's 4th congressional district. In 2010, he defeated incumbent Democrat Betsy Markey. He was formerly a member of the Colorado House of Representatives....
– PLC alumnus and Colorado State Representative. - Senator Hank BrownHank BrownGeorge Hanks "Hank" Brown is a former Republican politician and U.S. Senator from Colorado who served as president of the University of Colorado system from April 2005 - January 2008.-Education:...
– Former United States Senator and President of the University of Colorado. - Dr. Lloyd Lewan – Dean Emeritus, Semester at SeaSemester at SeaSemester at Sea is a study abroad program founded in 1963, now managed by the Institute for Shipboard Education in Charlottesville, Virginia. The University of Virginia is the current academic sponsor for the program while the program, itself, is run on a cruise ship called the MV Explorer...
. - Dr. Steven Berman – Past President, American Academy of PediatricsAmerican Academy of PediatricsThe American Academy of Pediatrics is the major professional association of pediatricians in the United States. The AAP was founded in 1930 by 35 pediatricians to address pediatric healthcare standards. It currently has 60,000 members in primary care and sub-specialist areas...
. - Mr. Sam Addoms – Former CEO, Frontier AirlinesFrontier AirlinesFrontier Airlines, Inc., is an American airline headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States. The carrier, which is a subsidiary and operating brand of Republic Airways Holdings, operates flights to 83 destinations throughout the United States, Mexico, and Costa Rica and maintains hubs at...
. - Ms. Barbara Grogan – Founder, Western Industrial Contractors.
- Mr. Andrew RomanoffAndrew RomanoffHarlan Andrew Romanoff is an American politician. A Democrat, he was a member of the Colorado House of Representatives from 2000 to 2008, serving as Speaker from 2005 to 2008...
- Former Speaker, Colorado House of Representatives. - Mr. Neal Beidleman - PLC alumnus and featured character in Jon KrakauerJon KrakauerJon Krakauer is an American writer and mountaineer, primarily known for his writing about the outdoors and mountain-climbing...
's nonfiction Into Thin AirInto Thin AirInto Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mt. Everest Disaster is a 1997 bestselling non-fiction book written by Jon Krakauer. It details the author's presence at Mount Everest during the 1996 Mount Everest disaster when eight climbers were killed and several others were stranded by a 'rogue storm'...
about a harrowing Mt. Everest climb.