Hollingsworth Center For Ethical Leadership
The Hollingsworth Center for Ethical Leadership (HCEL) is the leadership and character “Center of Excellence” for all cadets and staff to fulfill the Corps’ mission. HCEL provides each student an immersive experience through a comprehensive integrated set of programs combining the formal study of leadership concepts with the intentional application and practice of ethical leadership principles.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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 experienceFrequently 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 MoreSTUDENT/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!”
“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.”
“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.
Hollingsworth Staff
Bob Ellithorpe ’85, USMC (Ret.)
Managing Director Hollingsworth Center for Ethical Leadership- [email protected]
- (979) 458-0436
Dr. David Keller ’07, USAF (Ret.)
Director Hollingsworth Center for Ethical Leadership
Kenneth Allison ’85, USAF (Ret.)
Associate Director – Career Readiness Hollingsworth Center for Ethical Leadership
Dr. Darin Paine ’18, USAFR
Associate Director – Leadership & Development Hollingsworth Center for Ethical Leadership
Todd Daniel ’90, USAF (Ret.)
Associate Director – Integration & Impact Hollingsworth Center for Ethical Leadership
Dr. Kristen Neill
Associate Director – Mentorship & Personal Development Hollingsworth Center for Ethical Leadership
Terrell Johnson ’04
Administrative Coordinator Hollingsworth Center for Ethical LeadershipProfessors of Practice
Ben Diaz LtCol, USMCR
Nate Reed LTC, USA (Ret.)
Wendy Woodard Col, USAF (Ret.)
