Center for Leadership Development

In advancement of leadership.

Developing leaders.


The mission of the Edison State Community College Center for Leadership Development is to foster the advancement of leadership for individuals to make a difference in their community. Outstanding communities are characterized by a quality of life supported by individuals committed to service and stewardship in the public, private and nonprofit sectors.

The vision of the Center for Leadership Development is to provide Edison State Community College students, staff and community individuals with leadership development opportunities through training, courses, conferences and experiential learning opportunities to develop skills that can be utilized within diverse educational, social and business settings. The Center for Leadership Development uses a collaboration approach to build lasting partnerships with leaders and organizations. The ultimate goal of the Center is to be the transforming resource for leadership development to power individuals, teams and organizations for sustained success.

Explore our programs.

We offer various programs, seminars, and series that provide leadership development training for individuals who are committed to service and stewardship.

    The Edison State Center for Leadership Development provides a tool for self-evaluation of your nonprofit board.

    Purpose  This tool is meant to be used throughout the year to ensure that the work of the board and the organization is complete. This instrument defines specific steps and actions that can be taken by your board to meet organizational goals. All stakeholders will play a major role in achieving this award.

    Recognition  Recognizing that outstanding communities are characterized by the quality of life that is supported by individuals committed to service and stewardship in the nonprofit sector—the Center for Leadership Development created this award to recognize nonprofit boards who are doing outstanding work in the region. This checklist document is to be submitted to the Center for Leadership Development by April 30.

    Presentation  Awards are presented to qualifying nonprofit boards at the Mosiac of Community Leadership Conference, held each May, at Edison State Community College. You can view award recipients via the link below.

      The Paul G. Duke Academy for Community Leadership Banner

        ACL 1.0 Banner

        23 Years Strengthening Communities Through Leadership

        This is a series of workshops designed to develop more effective executive directors, staff, and board members of nonprofit organizations. Course topics include communication, strategic planning, budgeting, board engagement, assessment, operations, and more. Participants will develop and complete a project that will strengthen how they communicate about their mission. Enhance your skills as a leader to build a high-performing nonprofit organization!

        The Paul G. Duke Academy for Community Leadership 1.0 is held annually for five monthly sessions beginning in January and ending in May.

        Session 1- January 20, 2027
        Session 2- February 17, 2027
        Session 3- March 17, 2027
        Session 4- April 21, 2027 
        Session 5- May 20, 2027

        Space is Limited!
        For more information, session details, and to register click the link below. 

        ACL 2.0 Banner

        Lead with vision. Solve complex challenges. Strengthen your organization.

        The Paul G. Duke Academy for Community Leadership 2.0 is exclusively for graduates of Leadership Academy 1.0, this advanced, cohort-based experience is designed for nonprofit executives with five or more years of experience (executive director/president) who are ready to elevate their leadership, strengthen organizational sustainability, and drive meaningful change.

        Through interactive workshops, executive peer learning, and strategic discussions, participants will apply insights and tools to a real organizational challenge or opportunity, developing an implementation-ready Leadership Impact Project they can put into action.

        Invest in your leadership. Expand your impact.

        Session 1- January 27, 2027
        Session 2- February 24, 2027
        Session 3- March 24, 2027
        Session 4- April 28, 2027 
        Session 5- May 20, 2027

        Space is Limited!
        For more information, session details, and to register click the link below. 

        The annual Mosaic of Community Leadership Conference occurs each May and brings together executive directors, board members, staff and volunteers, including the current Academy participants and alumni, to explore in-depth topics related to nonprofit management and leadership. The conference features morning and afternoon breakout education and work sessions led by nonprofit professionals.

        The Center for Leadership Development frequently offers courses that focus on strengthening nonprofit organizations, their leadership and their boards. For more information or to register, contact Trisha Elliott at 937.778.7811 or via email.

        Courses will be listed as they become available.