Dr. Mary E. Keyes Leadership Program

Now, more than ever, our world is in need of responsible leaders. But what do we mean when we speak of leaders and leadership in the 21st Century?

Today, leadership is defined not simply in terms of a person or a position, but in terms of a collaborative process which engages both leaders and participants as they work towards meaningful change.

The purpose of leadership is best described in the following quote:

Leadership should attempt to accomplish something or change something. Leadership is purposeful and intentional. On a more profound level, leadership should be practiced in such a way as to be socially responsible. This kind of social responsibility is involved both in the outcomes or content of the group’s process. (Komives et al, 1998, p 14)

The Centre for Student Development has designed a Leadership Program for students who want to engage in new or additional leadership opportunities on campus, in their communities, or in their future workplaces.

The goal of the Leadership Program is to assist students in learning the leadership skills necessary to become responsible citizens able and willing to work collaboratively and effectively towards meaningful change while they are at McMaster or in their communities later on.

Students interested in learning more about the program should take the time to review this website. The details of the Leadership Program, its various components and registration information are outlined here. Students will also find some leadership articles, interviews, and suggested reading on various leadership topics. If you have questions about the Leadership Program that aren’t addressed at this site please email Jeanette Button, Coordinator of Special Programming at ext. 27488 or leadership@mcmaster.ca