Mission and History
The School of Leadership and Development emerged out of the growing international ministry of Eastern University and the work of the Center for Organizational Excellence (COE) at Eastern College (now Eastern University). In 1991, Dr. James Engel and Dr. David Fraser, together with then-president Dr. Roberta Hestenes and Reuben Ezemadu of Nigeria had a vision for leadership development that focused on those in the non-western world, those with least access to needed ministry resources and education.
Today, that vision continues and has expanded. The formal education programs continue through the School of Leadership and Development (SLD). SLD is currently comprised of four graduate degree programs, all in the areas of business, nonprofit management, leadership development, and economic development. In addition, the School is currently home to partnership programs, including World Vision International and Habitat for Humanity International.
