LEAD is intentionally interdisciplinary. Scholars learn with faculty from the sciences, humanities, social sciences, arts and professional programs — gaining different ways to ask questions, weigh evidence and understand the world. Cohort faculty help students navigate college, connect ideas across fields, work across human and disciplinary differences and chart their own leadership journey.
"We simply can't afford to have the next generation of students withdraw — they need to feel ready to take on this world, capable of adapting to a changing landscape and bridging differences, and confident in their ability to contribute to a greater good. That's where the LEAD Honors Program comes in."
- Professor Pat Cottrell, Director, LEAD Honors Program
Patrick Cottrell
LEAD Honors Program Director
Elizabeth and Morris Glicksman Chair of Political Science
I’m looking forward to working with our cohorts to design and implement community-based projects that create positive change, learning from the students’ different backgrounds and perspectives, and doing something fun like holding a karaoke night!
Lindsey Mantoan
Ronni Lacroute Chair in Theatre Arts
I’m excited to take a cohort of LEAD Scholars to Portland to explore its vibrant arts scene and its connections to the local community.
Rachel Schley
Associate Professor, History
I’m excited to tackle historical problems like inequality, scarcity, and war in an evidence-based way with LEAD scholars so that we can not only come up with critical solutions, but also a greater sense of our own agency as individuals and as a collective.
Kevin Curry
Associate Professor, Chair, Journalism and Media Studies
I am excited to work with students who are intentional about becoming effective and ethical leaders. The LEAD Honors Program at ÃÛѨÊÓƵ is uniquely positioned to provide LEAD scholars with the knowledge, support and experience to prepare these future leaders.
John Syring
Professor, Biology
I'm thrilled to guide students in field-based inquiry, where they can experience ecological phenomena firsthand.
Joe Wilkins
Professor, English and Environmental Studies
Director of Creative Writing
I’m passionate about using writing as a tool to help us understand ourselves, others, and the world. I’m excited to explore how we can connect creative writing and environmental studies in meaningful ways for LEAD Scholars.
Sandra Elena Terra
Associate Professor, Spanish
I’m passionate about teaching languages and exploring cultures. I’m excited to see how learning languages and understanding different cultures can help us discover who we are and who we can become.
Jennifer Williams Eblen
Associate Professor, Religious Studies
Whether students are religious or not, I’m passionate about encouraging students to delve into the big “ultimate” questions of life, the kinds of questions that humans have been asking for millenia: who are we…why are we here…what is life about…what else, if anything, is there?
Dimitri Kelly
Associate Professor, Political Science
We live in interesting times. I am excited to think with students about how we can successfully navigate the emerging world without losing our humanity or our democracy.
Rachel Norman
Associate Professor, English
I’m excited to work with LEAD scholars to explore the stories we tell ourselves about power, justice, and belonging, using insights from across disciplines to better understand the challenges we inherit and the possibilities we have to create meaningful change.
