Make Your Big Goals Happen
Lead By Taking People With You
Welcome to the world’s first institute for strategic communication leadership.
The Novak Leadership Institute offers a fresh approach to leadership education rooted in the principles of strategic communication. We help you effectively lead yourself and others through a mix of research, strategy, creativity, and collaboration. We call it leading by taking people with you.
Innovative courses, industry-tested ideas
Hands-on learning, real-world experiences
Collaborative classrooms, personalized coaching
World-class faculty, global connections
Rooted in principles of strategic communication
Minor in Leadership and Service
Add leadership depth to any degree with an interdisciplinary minor that combines Novak coursework with service learning and community engagement.
- Open to students in any college
- Builds on Novak courses you may already be taking
- Combines leadership theory, practice, and service
Student Courses
Gain practical knowledge and experience in the areas of personal leadership, organizational leadership, entrepreneurial leadership, and more through on-campus and online courses for MU students.
- 3-credit-hour or 1-credit-hour courses for undergraduate and graduate students
- Chancellor’s Leadership Class for first-year students
- Online course for MBA students
Student Programs
Discover experiential learning programs designed to accelerate your leadership growth and build your network of peers and professionals.
- Industry trips and tours
- Mentoring
- Service learning
Alumni
Participate in our growing alumni network and stay connected to the Institute and MU students.
- Mentor Novak Leadership students
- Host student trips
- Network with peers and professionals
- Access to leadership events and resources
Novak Resources
Browse our library of online resources with insights and tools for leaders at every level.
- Articles
- Downloads
- Podcasts
Get ready to chase big goals.
We challenge you to answer the question, “What is the single biggest thing you could accomplish that would change your life or the lives of others?”
Then we help you build your leadership knowledge and skills to achieve whatever big thing you dream up. Explore our courses to get started.
Our Courses
Add leadership to any degree
The Minor in Leadership and Service is an interdisciplinary minor open to students in any college. Combine Novak coursework with service learning and community engagement to stand out to employers and graduate schools.
Learn about the minor
Leadership that puts people first
David Novak, co-founder and retired chairman and CEO of Yum! Brands, is the inspiration for our people-first approach to leadership education. Novak's leadership philosophy is based on the idea that everyone has something to contribute.
About David Novak
Make Your Vision A Reality
“Believe in the power of people. Start with a deep down belief that every person on your team wants to be part of something great. Then cast a vision for greatness and get your people involved in making that vision a reality.”
Leadership Resources
