About Us
About the J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development
As a land-grant, sea-grant institution, the University of Georgia has a tri-fold mission of teaching, research, and service. As a service unit within the Office of the Vice President for Public Service and Outreach, the J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development is dedicated to developing statewide what many believe to be the single most important ingredient for positive change in Georgia: Leadership.
Founded in 1982, Fanning is named for Vice President and Professor Emeritus J.W. Fanning, who many consider to be the “father of leadership” in Georgia. His leadership legacy is carried on today through the Fanning Institute’s continued vision to develop leadership skills in Georgians of all ages, in all communities, from all walks of life. By enabling Georgia citizens to realize their full leadership potential and recognize their responsibility as community, youth and organizational leaders, Fanning prepares Georgians to identify, address, and meet current and future challenges.
Grounded in J.W. Fanning’s ten Pillars of Leadership, Fanning’s curricula and programs reflect the belief that the effective leader seeks mastery of self (self-knowledge), mastery of relationships (working with others), and mastery of action (setting and achieving relevant goals). Our goal is to develop competencies within individuals that will enable them to be balanced leaders, equally adept at practicing the head (knowledge and skills), the heart (heartfelt commitment and inspiration) and the feet (action and follow-through) of effective leadership.
Our Mission
Strengthen communities through leadership development, training and education.
We provide training and technical assistance in three primary areas:
- Adult leadership development;
- Youth leadership development; and
- Nonprofit and organizational leadership development.
Please see our 2013-2014 Strategic Plan for a compilation of our programs, services, goals, and priorities.