As your interest grows, and the conversation goes deeper, you will invariably inquire about the values and principles on which St. Edward's University stands. That's when you'll learn about the Center for Ethics and Leadership.
The first step in the evolution of ethics is a sense of solidarity with other human beings. ~Albert Schweitzer
In the mid-1990s, St. Edward's University identified several initiatives that would define its future. One called for more experiential learning. The other reiterated that our Holy Cross and Catholic heritage, and a spoken commitment to the dignity of all individuals, should translate into a greater emphasis on ethics and leadership.
The Center for Ethics and Leadership was established and continues to challenge students, faculty and staff to answer the important questions about ethics and leadership, such as how can our beliefs about morality lead to a life of human flourishing?
As a student at St. Edward's University, you'll find the Center for Ethics and Leadership at work both visibly and behind the scenes:
The Center also provides support and training to facutly, students and staff to promote understanding and commitment to ethics and leadership (see goals below). Additionally, the Center also initiates cooperative efforts to reach beyond our campus and support the development of ethical integrity and leadership in our communities.
Jack Musselman, PhD, Director of the Center for Ethics and Leadership and Associate Professor of Philosophy (jackgm [at] stedwards.edu, 512-428-1026, Holy Cross Hall 208, Campus Mailbox 1033). See faculty profile here.
Sherri Defesche, Coordinator of the Center for Ethics and Leadership (sherrid [at] stedwards.edu, 512-464-8871, Holy Cross Hall 206, Campus Mailbox 1033)
The goals of the Center for Ethics and Leadership are:
Consultations related to ethics and leadership are available upon request to university administrators, faculty, students and staff.
For a list of publications from The Most Reverend John McCarthy Lecture Series, as well as publications related to ethics and leadership, click here.
The following faculty constitute the Center for Ethics and Leadership's Ethics Advisory Board. This group of diverse faculty from across the university community advise the Director of the Center on new initiatives and ongoing programming.
David Hollier, School of Education
Cory Lock, University Programs
James Puglisi, Campus Ministry
Michael Saclolo, School of Natural Sciences
Danney Ursery, School of Humanities
Sara Villanueva, School of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Kathleen M. Wilburn, School of Management and Business
The Holy Cross and Catholic heritage at St. Edward’s is a living tradition that seeks to inform and transform the lives of students. This living tradition provides a history and framework for the Center for Ethics and Leadership in its efforts to develop the intellectual, social, and spiritual lives of students, faculty, staff, and the community.
A Holy Cross Education seeks to foster students who:
St. Edward’s seeks to maintain that difficult balance of being both respectful of other faiths and affirming of our Catholic heritage. The Center has facilitated discussions and lectures on this topic through a series of faculty discussions and presentations with a grant from the Eli Lilly and Company Foundation.
The search for balance is also reflected in university programming that invites a broad array of Catholic, as well as other religious and spiritual speakers. These diverse programs, along with many others on campus, promote the exploration of religious and spiritual inclinations.