Edmondites head up The Harding Center for Organizational Leadership

Have you ever thought about what it takes to be a leader, a true leader? When you think of leadership, who do you see? Do you see a politician, an activist, or a humanitarian? John Maxwell said, “The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails.” Where do you see yourself?

The Harding Center for Organizational Leadership recently launched, an initiative of the newly formed HU Online. This new program is led by Edmondites, Ph.D. Executive Director Nathan Mellor and Director of Marketing and Admissions Piper Riggs. The program will offer a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership and three certificate programs, Executive and Workplace Coaching, Human Resource Management, and Learning and Development.

HU Online is a thoughtfully crafted program developed with the student in mind. Comprised of faculty, both scholars and practitioners, HU Online is able to relate to real-world situations, and it doesn’t stop there. HU Online strives to offer diversity within its faculty in order to offer diversity of thought and perspective. Mellor and Riggs recognize that men and women have different obstacles in leadership, as do people from different cultures, and it is important to be inclusive in the representation.

“Online is a great environment to teach. First-time students are judged solely on their thoughts. This gives people the opportunity to be heard,” said Nathan Mellor. “The world needs more effective, ethical, and prepared leaders. Age is no barrier in leadership. Whether you are 24 or 44, this program is designed to make more effective leaders.”

Now Harding is able to reach new geographical territory with the launch of HU Online and The Harding Center for Organizational Leadership.

Past research suggests that leadership is 30 percent genetic and 70 percent a result of lessons learned through life experience. You now have the opportunity to develop your 70 percent with only 12 hours of course work for a certificate or 30 credit hours for a master’s.

As you approach the next phase in life and in your career, effective leadership is key to growth and an asset you can take anywhere. Whether you are a teacher or a state representative, proper leadership skills are necessary in order to succeed. Are you ready to adjust your sails?

Classes at HU Online begin this fall. Learn more about The Harding Center for Organizational Leadership on their website.