Developing leaders through high-impact, community-engaged learning.

The Aleshire Center for Leadership and Community Engagement is THE place for students seeking to develop leadership skills and engage with the community. Learn directly alongside community leaders as they seek to inspire change.

A group of leadership students pose for a photo.

Our Story

Leaders are people who move through their lives with intention. People who seek to make a change. People who want to make a difference - in fact must make a difference. People who believe good judgment comes from experience and experience comes from poor judgment. They are the people who live with a restless agitation as they seek to understand their abilities and affect change. They are the people who understand their integral web and the power of each connection. And they are the people who know they are the change they seek. These people are the students and alumni of the Aleshire Center for Leadership and Community Engagement.

Our Mission

The Aleshire Center for Leadership and Community Engagement is committed to developing leaders through high-impact community-engaged learning. We empower students to become global citizens that support the creation of thriving, just communities. We bridge academic and co-curricular experiences to foster cross-cultural understanding and create innovative approaches to learning in partnership with community stakeholders.

Our Vision

To be a premiere center for transformative leadership development and community-engaged learning, committed to developing socially engaged, inclusive, and accountable leaders.

Living Learning Center entrance sign

Leadership and Community Engagement Learning Community

The Leadership and Community Engagement Learning Community presents students at Washburn University the opportunity to explore leadership development and concepts both in and outside of the classroom. Students in the Learning Community will live with peers who share an interest in leadership development and community engagement. Participants will be offered exclusive leadership opportunities to engage with campus and community members, attend outside programs and events related to leadership, and will be mentored by a current Aleshire Center student who will serve as the Learning Community Resident Assistant. All students in the Community will be enrolled in the same section of LE100: Exploring Concepts of Leadership.


Academic Programs

Students can take courses, earn a Washburn Transformational Experience, and pursue a minor or Leadership Studies or Community Studies through the Aleshire Center. Students seeking opportunities at the graduate level should consider a Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership. Learn more about these opportunities below!

The leadership director and a student discuss a plan.

Leadership Studies Minor/Certificate

Two students smile while checking out community offerings.

Community Studies Minor

Two students smile while looking at a laptop screen.

MA in Comm. and Leadership

A leadership student smiles and gives a thumbs up.
A group of leadership award recipients smile with their awards.
Two leadership students smile.
A leadership student and their family smile for a photo.

Other programs to explore

GET IN TOUCH WITH the Aleshire Center

Mailing Address
1700 SW College Avenue
Benton Hall, room 408
Topeka, KS 66621

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