Student Teams

Our Student Ambassador team connects the leadership principles of Warren Bennis with the unique cultures and student needs across UC’s colleges. Ambassadors also help facilitate workshops and leadership programming.

The student ambassador-college liaison relationship is central to the program’s success. Ambassadors gain access to experienced mentors, strengthen their leadership skills and confidence, and connect with campus opportunities and resources they might not otherwise discover. Mentors deepen their understanding of leadership through teaching while developing coaching and communication skills and investing in the next generation of leaders.

Together, this partnership creates a supportive environment where leadership lessons are practical, relevant and immediately applicable across disciplines. It also strengthens the institute through a sustainable cycle of knowledge-sharing, mentorship and peer accountability.

Ultimately, the program develops ethical, effective leaders prepared to make a positive impact across campus and beyond

The Warren Bennis Leadership Student Team is an interdisciplinary group of student leaders from across campus, selected for their potential, diverse perspectives and commitment to advancing leadership at UC.

The team’s signature initiative is the Warren Bennis Leadership Experience, which brings together Cincinnati leaders, distinguished alumni and UC students for a transformative day of learning, networking and reflection. As the institute’s flagship event, it engages 100 select participants each year.

Team members also support alumni engagement, helping graduates stay connected to the Institute and one another through events and shared experiences. From Homecoming mixers and parade participation to year-round touchpoints, these efforts strengthen community and celebrate the Institute’s impact across generations.

We provide opportunities for UC scholars to conduct interdisciplinary research that advances leadership development practices and outcomes.

The institute leads several research initiatives focused on undergraduate leadership development. Current projects examine leadership behaviors among student leaders and followers, analyze data from the institute’s Growing in Leadership program, and evaluate outcomes among institute-affiliated undergraduate students.

These efforts aim to better understand leadership training opportunities offered through the institute while assessing their impact and effectiveness. The projects also provide students with valuable leadership and research experience.

To ensure the institute delivers meaningful value, we conduct ongoing research on the outcomes and impact of our leadership development programs. We collect quantitative and qualitative data measuring changes in leadership perceptions, self-efficacy, leader identity and related outcomes.

The Bennis Distinguished Scholars Program is a premier development opportunity for UC students serving in key Institute roles who demonstrate a commitment to leadership for public purpose. Scholars engage in advanced, character-centered development while supporting the institute’s mission through service, facilitation, research and community engagement.

At the heart of the program is the Coaching for Character experience, a group coaching model centered on four foundational virtues: compassion, courage, humility and honesty. Through facilitated peer coaching, reflection journals and character-based challenges, scholars deepen their self-awareness, strengthen their leadership practice, and build resilience in the community.

A cornerstone of the program is the Leadership Story Project, where students craft, refine, and present a personal leadership narrative. Through retreats, feedback cycles and peer collaboration, Scholars explore their growth as leaders and how they can contribute to the common good.

Participants engage in community learning, serve in institute leadership roles and receive priority access to workshops and mentors. Together, these experiences cultivate a community dedicated to authentic growth, reflective practice, and character-driven leadership.

• Retreats & Coaching: Scholars engage in fall and spring retreats, plus character coaching sessions throughout the year. 
• Leadership Story Project: Each scholar learns how to craft and present their personal leadership story, culminating in a spring showcase. 
• Engaged Practice: Opportunities to facilitate workshops, represent the institute at campus events and contribute to institute initiatives and continued development.
• $2,000 scholarship ($1,000 per semester, upon fulfilling requirements).
• Priority access to institute events, mentors, and speaking opportunities.
• Small-cohort coaching and feedback.
• A clear, compelling leadership narrative to carry into future careers.

Warren Bennis Leadership Institute
Steger Student Life Center
Suite 743 A/B
2801 UC MainStreet
Cincinnati, OH 45221
warrenbennislead@ucmail.uc.edu