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The Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute

Exemplary Leadership

Creating a learning environment. Building collaborative partnerships. Strengthening commitment to results. Envisioning a brighter future.

About the institute

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The Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute promotes the development of current and emerging leaders in academic institutions; other public, private and nonprofit organizations; and communities.

Consistent with the mission of Virginia Commonwealth University, the Institute is committed to identifying and nurturing the next generation of leaders through leadership training and public policy research.

Announcements

The VCU L. Douglas Wilder School Centers and Institutes Join Forces. The VCU Wilder School Centers and Institutes have merged for enhanced collaboration and improved structure to expand expert research and project management consulting. Each of the school's professional development programs will be under the Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute (GEHLI). All of the consulting and applied research services led by PMG, CURA, and SERL will be under the Center for Public Policy (CPP). All social equity research and analysis services will be under the Research Institute for Social Equity (RISE). Clients will continue to receive the same excellent services enjoyed previously, just under a new name!

Read the press release here: PRESS RELEASE 12.12.2023- The VCU L. Douglas Wilder School Centers and Institute

 

Dr. Mike Chandler Retires after 40 years of educating 15,000 Virginians. The Grace E. Harris Institute within the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs congratulates Dr. Mike Chandler on his retirement after 40 years of educating 15,000 Virginians in land use. Dr. Chandler created the Land Use Education Program (LUEP) in 1984 while serving as a faculty member at Virginia Tech and for nearly forty years, land use education in Virginia has been synonymous with Dr. Mike Chandler. 

Read the press release here: Dr. Mike Chandler Retires after 40 years of educating 15,000 Virginians

Programs

VCU Leadership 

The VCU Leadership Development Program is a 10-month program designed to enhance the knowledge, skills and experience of current and emerging leaders who represent the academic and administrative units of the university and the VCU Health System.

Learn more about VCU Leadership

HIGHER Ground 

The HIGHER Ground Women’s Leadership Development Program is a five-month experience for current and emerging women leaders who are committed to investing in themselves and their organizations.

Learn more about HIGHER Ground

MPLI

The Minority Political Leadership Institute is an intensive, eight-month experience designed to promote leadership development for individuals interested in issues important to minority communities, including community economics, political climate, civic engagement and racial equity.

Learn more about MPLI

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It is important to have a strong knowledge base of one's subject and a willingness to share that knowledge with others."

Grace E. Harris, Ph.D. (1933-2018) 
Distinguished University Professor