With new sponsorship from Eli Lilly and Company, the work of Miami University’s leadership institute within the College of Engineering and Computing will continue with a new name, the Lilly Leadership Institute.

President Gregory Crawford announced Miami’s newest collaboration during his State of the University address held on Sept. 28.

"Miami is known for graduating great leaders," President Crawford said. "An institution's reputation is also defined by its partners. Today I have some terrific news. Eli Lilly and Company will sponsor the Lilly Leadership Institute in the College of Engineering and Computing. This new partnership will prepare the next generation of computer science, tech, and engineering leaders for the future of work. Congratulations to Louise Morman and Dean Beena Sukumaran for their leadership in establishing this exciting new partnership.”

Charlie Haddad, AVP Digital Health at Lilly and ’92 Miami alum, said, “We are pleased to partner with Miami University and the College of Engineering and Computing to continue the mission of the Lilly Leadership Institute. The program has been very successful in complementing the rigor and breadth of the Miami education with transformational leadership skills that serve graduates very well after graduation.”

“We are thrilled the Lilly Leadership Institute can now move forward in creating new cohorts who will have the self-awareness, ability to embrace change, and people skills to be effective in the workplace,” said Louise Morman, Executive Director, Lilly Leadership Institute.

The Institute offers a one-of-a-kind, transformational leadership program focused on developing effective leadership among undergraduate students. The Institute cultivates leaders who will flourish in their professions and lives by learning how to think strategically, work collaboratively, communicate effectively, and innovate creatively. Its bold approach incorporates in-depth interpersonal and immersive experiences. The Institute graduated its ninth cohort of students this past May. They join a host of alumni now successful in industries and organizations in the United States and throughout the world.

Each year, a cohort of 15-25 students is selected for a multi-year intensive development program. They embark on a rigorous curriculum to develop personal, people, and strategic leadership abilities.

Thinking ahead to the future, Morman and the Leadership team are launching new programs. The Institute piloted a new program, Tech in the Real World, an inside perspective of the tech industry. This year, students met weekly with Tony Sumrall, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur, to discuss what technology-focused roles in the industry really look like.

Morman also created Seeing Differently: Advanced Transformational Leadership, a program that promotes a new way of looking at experiencing diversity, equity, and inclusion