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As higher education prepares students for increasingly complex scientific, technological and societal challenges, ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ is strengthening its commitment to leadership development by naming Chancellor Justin Schwartz the Quigg and Virginia S. Newton Endowed Chair in Leadership.

The appointment builds on a growing universitywide effort to make leadership development an integral part of the ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ student experience—across disciplines, inside and outside the classroom, and throughout a student's time on campus.

"Leadership isn't reserved for people with a particular title. It's the ability to bring people together around difficult problems, ask better questions, make thoughtful decisions and help others succeed," Schwartz said. "That's a skill every student can develop, regardless of discipline."

At the center of the effort is ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ , which connects opportunities across the university and ensures students from every field of study can develop and practice the skills to lead.

Since its founding in 2020, the center has grown into a campuswide leadership ecosystem that now includes more than 55 affiliate programs across ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ's colleges, schools and units. Together, these programs reach thousands of students through academic courses, mentoring, coaching, experiential learning, civic engagement and other leadership development opportunities.

The Center for Leadership is also expanding the depth of those experiences. TheÌýNewton Fellowship Program brings together students from leadership programs across campus for an intensive year of coaching, mentorship and leadership development. The newÌý creates opportunities for students to put leadership into practice by addressing real-world challenges and contributing to their communities.

The center is also investing in the faculty and staff who develop student leaders, creating stronger connections among programs and building a common approach to evaluating the impact of leadership education across campus.

The work has helped ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ gain national visibility for its approach to developing leaders. TIME Magazine has recognized ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ among itsÌý, reflecting the breadth of leadership opportunities available to students across the university.

For theÌý, which helped establish the Newton Chair, the appointment represents both a continuation of former CU President Quigg Newton's legacy and an investment in the leaders Colorado will need in the future.

"The Boettcher Foundation has long believed that developing strong leaders is one of the most powerful investments we can make in Colorado's future," said Katie Kramer, president and CEO of the Boettcher Foundation. "The Newton Chair carries forward Quigg Newton's extraordinary legacy of leadership and public service while creating opportunities for new generations of students to develop the skills and character they will need to make a difference in their communities, their professions and our state."

Schwartz's appointment as Newton Chair became effective July 1. The endowed position was established by the Newton family in partnership with the Boettcher Foundation and ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ to honor Newton's commitment to leadership, education and public service.

As Newton Chair, Schwartz will work with the Center for Leadership and partners across the university to continue expanding leadership education and creating clearer pathways for students to move from learning about leadership to practicing it in consequential settings.

"Leadership development belongs alongside discovery, innovation and academic excellence," Schwartz said. "We want our students to leave here not only prepared to succeed in their fields but prepared to take responsibility for what comes next."