Leadership Institute at Columbus State University

Yesterday The Leadership Institute celebrated 20 years of leadership, service, and impact. From our beginnings in 2005 to serving more than 200 organizations across the Southeast, this milestone reflects a shared belief that leadership can be taught, cultivated, and multiplied. Over two decades, we have helped prepare leaders who strengthen communities, spark innovation, and create lasting change.

A major part of that journey is the Jim Blanchard Leadership Forum. Established in 2006, it began with Jim Blanchard’s vision to “expose people to the best and brightest minds in the world.”

We were also honored to recognize the Ed Helton Servant Leadership Scholarship, an award that reflects the spirit of service and selfless leadership at the heart of CSU. This year, the scholarship was presented to a deserving CSU student, Paige Abeny, whose dedication to servant leadership continues to uplift our campus and our community.

Today our mission remains simple but powerful. We work to ignite potential, strengthen communities, and prepare leaders for whatever challenges the future brings.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. Here is to the next 20 years of impact!

Leadership isn’t just about giving instructions.

It’s about inspiring others and creating a culture of trust, growth, and shared purpose.

Don’t miss Shana Young, AVP of Community Engagement, as she presents her “Top 10 Lessons in Leadership.”

There is still time to register for this week’s luncheon at Green Island. CSU’s Shana Young will be presenting “Top 10 Lessons in Leadership.”

Behind every confident leader is a Google search history no one needs to see. 🤫

Do you think leaders are born or built?

Tell us below!

Explore our service catalog in the bio to discover the many ways we grow leaders.

At CSU, servant leadership is one of our core values.
It’s not about titles or power—it’s about clarity, action, and support. As Ken Blanchard puts it: “They don’t work for you; you work for them.”

That’s leadership that puts others first.

As a leader, how you guide your team through transition matters. Acknowledge the pressure, communicate clearly, and pace change with intention.