HISTORY OF GENERAL HOLLINGSWORTH

Our namesake, Lt Gen James Hollingsworth ’40, demonstrated extraordinary ethical leadership in both military and civilian sectors of our society. We are honored to carry on his legacy of character, courage and service by developing well-educated leaders of character prepared for the global leadership challenges of the future.

Three people stand and smile in a classroom. Two are in tan military uniforms with badges, and one is in a maroon polo shirt. A screen in the background reads SOMS 2022 Week 2.

FOCUSED STUDY IN ETHICAL LEADERSHIP

Our primary focus is Ethical Leadership Development. A study of classic, ethics-based leadership theory focused on developing strong character within our students. Instruction in the fundamentals of group dynamics, interpersonal communication, and interpretation of individual assessments to include personality traits, characteristics, values, and behaviors necessary for the effective implementation of ethical leadership. The study of contemporary leadership issues in organizational effectiveness, problem identification, problem solving, decision-making, and generating intended outcomes. Exploring ethical dilemmas in leadership roles and organizational cultures, personal and organizational accountability, and the ability to identify and implement ethical decisions.

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OPEN TO ALL MAJORS AND ALL STUDENTS

Each year, the Hollingsworth Center awards more than 175 Certificates in Applied Ethical Leadership to students representing more than 70 different academic majors across Texas A&M University. Texas A&M is honored to be the only university authorized by the Medal of Honor Institute to issue our leadership certificate in its name. Our classes are available to all undergraduate students enrolled at Texas A&M. These students enter the workforce with a deep understanding of the concepts of ethical leadership and strong character-based decision-making.

A man in a blue shirt speaks to three uniformed cadets seated at desks in a classroom. The cadets are listening attentively, and notebooks are on the desks. A large screen and posters are visible in the background.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Through coaching and mentoring we partner with our students to help them become “the best version of themselves.” Through our focus on Personal Development, we work with each student to develop the strength of character that will be necessary for success in all aspects of their lives.

A woman stands at the front of a classroom giving a presentation to students in uniform. A large screen behind her displays a butterfly image and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department logo.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT

HCEL enhances students’ capacities to be value-adding leaders in both the public and private sectors of the workplace. Through our focus on Career Development we work with each student to develop 12 Career Readiness Competencies. A Career Competency includes Knowledge + Skills. Through our work with the private sector we identified 12 specific competencies which are valued by employers across the economic spectrum. These 12 Career Readiness competencies are applicable to military service, public service and private enterprise. Moreover, HCEL partners with the Texas A&M Career Center to provide support to cadets through assistance finding internships vital for developing work experience and professional networks and support finding future employment.

12 Career Readiness Competencies

The Corps 12 Career Readiness Competencies are derived from the  National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). A competency includes Knowledge + Skill + Ability. These 12 Career Readiness Competencies are valued by employers independent of industry, economic sector or job type.  We provide the Corps of Cadets with a program focused on developing these Career Competencies in all students. The attainment and demonstration of requisite competencies that broadly prepare you to successfully transition into the workplace.

Corps 12: Leadership & Career Readiness Competencies
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CITIZENSHIP DEVELOPMENT

The purpose of Texas A&M University is to “develop leaders of character dedicated to serving the greater good.” The Hollingsworth Center for Ethical Leadership directly contributes to this purpose with our focus on developing leaders of character who will serve the state and the nation. We are proud to be the co-leaders with the Mays School of Business for the Character pillar within the University wide Citizenship and Service Initiative.

Corps Leadership Development Model

Corps of Cadets adheres to a four-year leadership development model to provide ethical leadership progression for each student. The Corps Leadership Development Model is optimized to provide lessons and guidance in the practical application of leadership commensurate with the cadets academic year (Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior) and their respective leadership roles within the Corps of Cadets.

Credentials in Leadership

The Hollingsworth Center for Ethical Leadership offers two leadership credentials to students. Students are able to earn the Medal of Honor Institute Certificate in Applied Leadership or the Texas A&M University interdisciplinary Leadership Minor degree.

IMPACTS

Creating a culture where cadets from day 1 view career readiness as an essential part of the Texas A&M University and Corps of Cadets experience
>93% of cadets graduated during the previous 5 years were able to obtain employment within 60 days of graduation
Yearly average of 500 internships and jobs for junior and seniors cadets
Forged partnership with 400+ companies to provide internships and job opportunities
Average of 50 “R U Ready Events” each academic year hosted by companies looking to hire cadets

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I sign up for classes with the Hollingsworth Center for Ethical Leadership (HCEL)?

The leadership classes taught by the HCEL are listed in the Undergraduate Catalog with the heading School of Military Science or SOMS. Each semester, students will use the TAMU course registration process to select the appropriate SOMS class.

What are the requirements to earn the Certificate in Applied Leadership?

The Medal of Honor Institute Certificate in Applied Leadership is awarded for students who complete requirements is 3 areas: (1) Academic Courses, (2) Applied Leadership Experiences, (3) Personal Development. Each student will complete 5 SOMS Academic Course; conduct and then document their leadership Applied Experiences; and, complete their Personal Development through written reflection, a mentor relationship “exit interview” and complete an Individual Leadership Development Plan (ILDP) in at least 2 semesters.

How can I learn more about the Hollingsworth Center for Ethical Leadership?

There are several online, virtual and in person opportunities to learn more about the Corps of Cadets and the Hollingsworth Center for Ethical Leadership.

Learn More

STUDENT/FORMER STUDENT TESTIMONIES

“I can’t describe how much of an impact [this program] has had on me. It got me my first job and most importantly, made me a better person!”

Recent graduate, Class of 2019

“I wanted to let you know I found my first job as a research administrator here at Texas A&M and could not be happier. Having the leadership certificate on my resume and being able to talk about it in my interview was a tremendous advantage.”

Recent graduate, Class of 2018

“I have been shadowing the executive leadership team of the Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital and the majority of the wisdom they have been imparting on me are lessons we learned in (SOMS) class. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses, focusing on processes, knowing what values you believe in as a leader, and having a leadership philosophy you can clearly communicate are just a few of the lessons I have learned from these executives and from completing my ILDP.

Recent graduate, Class of 2019

Hollingsworth Staff

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Bob Ellithorpe ’85, USMC (Ret.)

Managing Director Hollingsworth Center for Ethical Leadership
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Dr. David Keller ’07

Director Hollingsworth Center for Ethical Leadership

[email protected]

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Col (Ret) Kenneth Allison ’85

Associate Director – Career Readiness Hollingsworth Center for Ethical Leadership

[email protected]

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Dr. Darin Paine ’18

Associate Director – Leadership & Development Hollingsworth Center for Ethical Leadership

[email protected]

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Todd Daniel ’90, USAF (Ret)

Associate Director – Integration & Impact Hollingsworth Center for Ethical Leadership

[email protected]

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Dr. Kristen Neill

Associate Director – Mentorship & Personal Development Hollingsworth Center for Ethical Leadership

[email protected]

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Terrell Johnson ’04

Administrative Coordinator Hollingsworth Center for Ethical Leadership

[email protected]