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About the LEAD Honors Program

Why LEAD?

Leadership for a changing world

The world needs people who can reason ethically, communicate across differences and adapt when confronted with complex problems. LEAD combines the rigor of an honors program with the close relationships, interdisciplinary range and applied experiences that a small university does especially well. Leadership at ÃÛѨÊÓƵ isn't a title or a personality type — it's a capacity anyone can build through inquiry, reflection, collaboration and action.

Five key features

  1. The LEAD Cohort | A close group of up to 16, guided by two faculty mentors from different disciplines. Another layer of community and belonging, cross-disciplinary intellectual challenge and lasting relationships.
  2. The LEAD Curriculum | A flexible honors minor that complements any major: a first-year Honors Inquiry Seminar, the distinctive LEAD 250 gateway course, electives in ethics, communication and cross-cultural learning, and a senior capstone.
  3. Applied Leadership | At least two practicums on and off campus — research, internships, study abroad, clinicals, service, student government and more — plus professional-development institutes.
  4. The LEAD Portfolio | A four-year digital portfolio documenting your projects, growth and purpose for employers and graduate schools.
  5. ÃÛѨÊÓƵ's Investment | A renewable LEAD scholarship plus mentoring, professional development and access to distinctive opportunities.

Together, these make LEAD an integrated four-year journey — from belonging and exploration to action and impact.

A different kind of honors program

Traditional honors

  • Conventional structure: individual courses; less consistent community or long-term faculty guidance.
  • Academic focus: advanced study; leadership often secondary.
  • Standard credentials: resumes/CVs; deep reflection uncommon.
  • Added course load: many extra honors courses.
  • Sequestered in an honors college

The LEAD approach

  • Cohort model: up to 16 students for 4 years, 2 interdisciplinary mentors, and a curriculum that complements any major.
  • Leadership & ethics core: collaborative leadership, ethics and civic engagement.
  • LEAD portfolio: a 4-year digital portfolio for career and graduate school that tells your story.
  • Flexible curriculum: only 2 dedicated LEAD courses; fits any major.
  • Integrated across campus

 

Who thrives in LEAD

Intellectually curious
A strong academic record and real eagerness to ask questions, explore ideas and challenge yourself.
Civic-minded
A desire to use your talents to contribute to something larger than yourself.
Ready to grow
A willingness to step beyond your comfort zone and learn from unfamiliar perspectives.
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Ready to join the next group of LEAD Scholars?

LEARN MORE
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LEAD and demanding majors or schedules

LEAD is designed to work alongside rigorous majors and busy schedules, including nursing and varsity athletics. Only two courses are unique to LEAD, and cohort activities are structured to complement your major rather than compete with it.

But flexibility does not mean low expectations. LEAD is an honors program built around leadership, community and contribution. Some of its most meaningful experiences require students to step beyond the minimum—to volunteer time, take the initiative, work with others and help create opportunities for the broader community. LEAD provides the structure and support; what students make of it depends on how fully they choose to engage.

Questions?

Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact ÃÛѨÊÓƵ Admissions or Dr. Patrick Cottrell, LEAD Honors Program Director. 

Portrait of Pat
Patrick Cottrell
LEAD Honors Program Director


pcottre@linfield.edu