Professional Executive Leadership School (PELS)

What makes a great leader? What is the difference between management and leadership? The Professional Executive Leadership School (PELS) is an intensive three-week, liberal arts-based educational experience that focuses on the study of leadership. PELS is geared for chief executive officers and managers, and candidates from the private sector, public safety, and government agencies are invited to apply. Faculty members from the University of Richmond in Richmond, Virginia, teach the classes and are drawn from the Management Institute, Jepson School of Leadership Studies, Robins School of Business, and several other schools within the university.

A wide variety of topics from the liberal arts perspective are included in the program.  Curriculum topics have included foundations of leadership, relationship-centered leadership, setting goals for your team, leadership and politics, arts and leadership, literature and leadership, religion and leadership, psychology and leadership, negotiations, strategic leadership, media relations, leadership in crisis, motivational leadership, leadership and the law, and making a difference, among other topics. Case studies and topical issues are also explored.  Legal credit is included in this program. 

"I can't thank you and your staff enough for the success of the recently concluded session of the PELS program.  PELS is by far the finest, most enriching, and enjoyable leadership program in which I have had the opportunity to participate.  PELS is in a class by itself and, in my opinion, a 'must attend' for the 21st century manager."

                - Thomas M. Quigley, Sr.,

                   Assistant Chief of Investigations

                             Office of Inspector General

                             Virginia Department of Corrections

Members of the PELS Twenty-Fourth Session Graduating Class during the graduation ceremony on March 12, 2009