Oxford University - "Leadership Through the Ages"

For a group of 12 CNU Leadership Studies students, the study of British historical leaders came to life at Oxford University in the summer of 2007.

The highly selective summer program centered on a course titled "Leadership Through the Ages," through which students explored the theory of transforming leadership and its relation to the leadership of British notables. Using an interdisciplinary approach, students analyzed the actions and decisions of prominent religious, political and military figures from the 12^th century to today and visited sites related to those leaders.

After studying the leadership of Lord Horatio Nelson, the students visited the restored H.M.S. Victory from which Nelson led the naval battle of Trafalgar. While examining the life and leadership of Winston Churchill, they visited his birthplace at Blenheim Palace and toured the underground bunker in London from which he led the country's defense against Nazi Germany.

"These experiences brought a dynamic energy into learning about these leaders, and the academic environment at Oxford was inspiring," said Dr. Bob Colvin, CNU's department chair of Leadership and American Studies.

Not only did the group study at Harris Manchester College at Oxford University, but also at Sarum College in Salisbury, United Kingdom , where heated debate and discussion often took place in the classroom.

"There have been few occasions in my life in which I have found myself amongst a group of individuals who truly challenged and pushed each other to new levels of fellowship and intellectual engagement. I was amazed at how much we gained from each other," said junior Stuart Farrand.

"Teaching this course at Oxford and Sarum was among the highlights of my experiences as a professor," said Dr. Colvin. The 12 outstanding CNU students also saw it as a highlight of their academic careers.

Dr. Colvin and Professor Sean Heuvel, an instructor in Leadership and American Studies, developed and taught the course with the assistance of two Oxford scholars, Dr. Kathryn Beebe and Dr. Ralph Waller, the Principal of Harris Manchester College. CNU President Paul Trible and his wife, Rosemary, met the group in London for three days, along with CNU Dean of Admissions Patty Patten.

For junior Kasey Arnold, spending time with President and Mrs. Trible marked a highlight of the trip. "When we were able to share with President Trible all that we had learned, I had never felt so proud to be a student of such an incredible university where the President and his wife care so deeply about the development of students," she said.