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. Founded in 1985, 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.
Fanning Institute faculty and staff design and deliver programs and services in four primary areas of focus.
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.
Nonprofit and professional association leadership development
We develop leaders throughout the nonprofit sector. Fanning develops curriculum for nonprofit executives, boards, staff, and volunteers on topics relevant to nonprofit and professional association leadership. Fanning also provides strategic planning and technical assistance to nonprofits on a number of topics.
Youth leadership development
We are committed to developing youth as leaders and enhancing their access to higher education. Our youth leadership development focus is on preparing young people to meet the challenges of transitioning to adulthood through a variety of programming options that foster youth leadership and community engagement.
Conflict transformation and dialogue
We assist communities and organizations in engaging in and leading open, thoughtful and constructive strategies and dialogue around difficult and complex issues. Our programming helps broaden understanding, leads to new learnings, and promotes positive change and unity. We help to develop inclusive leaders, communities and organizations through facilitation, programming, services and technical support in a host of areas.
The institute’s multi-disciplinary faculty assist communities and organizations by offering education, training, and services that include the following:
- Leadership curriculum development and programming
- Customized training and technical assistance
- Mediation and conflict resolution
- Nonprofit capacity building
- Youth leadership development
- Organizational assessment and evaluation
- Board governance
- Community engagement
- Change leadership including strategic planning and community visioning
- Leadership coaching and succession planning
We would enjoy talking about ways the Fanning Institute can assist you, your community, or organization. Give us a call at 706-542-1108.
Mission
Our mission is to strengthen individuals, communities and organizations through leadership development, training and education.
Vision
We envision the state of Georgia as a network of vibrant, inclusive 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.