At Winthrop Honors College, we don't just teach leadership theory. We forge leaders who create lasting impact in their communities, organizations, and industries. Our comprehensive three-year leadership curriculum transforms promising students into confident changemakers who know how to inspire, influence, and implement meaningful solutions.
Master the Fundamentals with the 7 Habits Framework
Your leadership development begins with time-tested principles. Through our foundational course built on Stephen Covey's world-renowned 7 Habits framework, you'll develop the personal effectiveness skills that form the bedrock of all great leadership. You'll learn to be proactive, begin with the end in mind, and put first things first—establishing the character-based approach that distinguishes authentic leaders from mere managers.
This isn't just classroom learning. You'll practice these principles in real situations, building the habits that will serve you throughout your career and life.
Develop Introspective Leadership and Emotional Intelligence
True leadership starts with self-awareness. In your second year, you'll dive deep into introspective leadership development, exploring how your values, strengths, and emotional intelligence shape your ability to connect with and motivate others.
You'll discover your unique leadership style, learn to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics, and develop the emotional intelligence that enables you to build trust, resolve conflicts, and inspire teams. This intensive self-discovery process ensures you lead authentically—from your core values rather than borrowed techniques.
Step Into Leadership Roles and Create Real Change
Your final year transforms knowledge into impact. You'll step into genuine leadership roles, working directly with local businesses and philanthropic organizations to tackle real challenges and implement meaningful solutions.
These aren't simulated experiences or case studies—you'll be trusted with actual projects that matter to our community partners. Whether you're developing marketing strategies for local nonprofits, creating operational improvements for growing businesses, or designing innovative solutions to community challenges, you'll experience the full responsibility and reward of leadership.
Our partnerships with established businesses and respected philanthropies ensure your leadership development happens in authentic environments where your decisions have genuine consequences and your successes create lasting value. You'll learn not just how to lead, but how to lead effectively under pressure, with limited resources, and alongside diverse stakeholders.
This progressive curriculum does more than teach leadership skills—it builds leadership identity. Through three years of intentional development, practical application, and reflective growth, you'll discover not just what kind of leader you can be, but what kind of leader you already are.
You'll leave Winthrop's Honors College with the ability to articulate your value, the value of your experiences, and convey the confidence of a natural leader. More importantly, you'll possess the proven track record and developed instincts to step into leadership roles immediately and make the positive change our world desperately needs.
