The J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development, a unit of Public Service and Outreach at the University of Georgia, is dedicated to strengthening communities, organizations, and individuals through leadership development, training, and education. The Institute is named for UGA’s first Vice President for Services, Dr. J.W. Fanning. His legacy of leadership development is embodied in the Institute’s dedication to developing leaders of all ages, in every community, from all walks of life.
Our mission is to strengthen individuals, communities and organizations through leadership development, training and education.
Our vision is to envision the state of Georgia as a network of vibrant and prosperous communities, where leaders of all ages and backgrounds are well trained and confident in their abilities to affect positive change. As an institute, we aspire to be a nationally recognized resource for communities and organizations seeking to develop existing and emerging leaders.
Fanning Institute faculty and staff design and deliver programs and services in four primary areas of focus.
Youth Leadership Development
We are committed to ensuring that future leaders from all backgrounds will develop the skills necessary to make positive changes. Our goal is to prepare young people to meet the challenges of transitioning to adulthood through programs that foster youth leadership and citizenship.
Community Leadership Development
Leadership creates positive change in communities. Fanning’s community leadership programs help develop knowledgeable, skilled, committed and action-oriented leaders. Participants from diverse backgrounds and different perspectives enhance their existing leadership skills and gain a better understanding of themselves and their roles as community leaders so that they can ultimately impact community vitality.
Dispute Resolution and Dialogue
We provide both training to help resolve open-dialogue and technical assistance in current disputes. Dispute transformation resolution represents any process or method where parties in a dispute attempt to reach an agreement. Resolving disputes, whether it involves yourself or others, is not a simple task.
Nonprofit Leadership Development
We help strengthen organizational leadership in nonprofit organizations. Our professional development curriculum for CEOs and executive directors, boards, staff, and volunteers address topics relevant to nonprofit leadership and allows leaders to learn, understand, and clarify issues on a particular topic as well as apply what they have learned in a peer context.
We would enjoy talking about ways the Fanning Institute can assist you, your community, or organization. Give us a call at 706-542-1108 or email us at Info@fanning.uga.edu.