Message from Grace E. Harris

Welcome to the Web site for the Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute. I was deeply honored when, upon my retirement in 1999 from the position of Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Virginia Commonwealth University Board of Visitors established the Institute in my name.

Much of my career has been dedicated to affecting positive change at VCU and to developing the potential in VCU faculty and staff. I am delighted that VCU is providing an institutionalized way for that to continue. The original goal of the Institute was to strengthen the leadership capacity among VCU faculty and staff. The annual University Leadership Program has been quite successful in doing that thus far. We also have expanded our efforts to include developing leadership in faculty and staff at other academic institutions as well as in the local community. I hope you will read the information on our Web site about all of these initiatives.

Throughout my tenure at VCU and in my lifelong community service work, I have promoted the ideals of collaboration and inclusiveness. At the Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute, we believe these are critical components of effective leadership in the 21st century and have included them in our Institute leadership principles.

Our society has a deep need for visionary leaders who work in concert with others to get results, inspire people to grow and change, and transform organizations. Whether you are a program participant, university supporter, or community partner, we look forward to working with you toward the realization of these goals.

Sincerely,
Grace E. Harris

About Grace E. Harris