About
Leadership Institute
Leading The Way for Women

Columbia College is recognized as a national leader in the field of leadership for women by the Kellogg Foundation and the Women’s College Coalition.
Established in 1990, The Leadership Institute prepares women to assume leadership within their professions and communities, to lead innovation and change throughout their lives, and to be effective in a global society.
Leadership is not just a word at Columbia College; it is a fundamental value and a pervasive force throughout campus. Every student has an opportunity to learn about leadership, experiment with leadership, and experience leadership throughout her four years at Columbia College.
The Leadership Institute also provides an outstanding series of outreach programs, seminars and networking events for women throughout South Carolina. Programs range from summer residential programs for high school girls to professional development workshops and a major speakers series featuring women of national renown.
Through a highly-respected academic program and innovative leadership initiatives, The Leadership Institute is creating an outstanding legacy of leadership enhancement for women of all ages.
Leadership Institute Programs: Expanding the Circle of Influence
Through a series of forums, workshops and special events, The Leadership Institute brings women's leadership development out of the classroom to include women from all walks of life -- from high school students to business executives.
The Institute's leadership development programs are designed to improve the quality of the leadership environment for women by addressing four important factors:
- Gender stereotypes
- Limited Role Models
- Organizational structures and policies
- Leadership competencies and confidence
Outreach programs
Emerging Leaders, LEAD NOW, and Next Generation Leader
These residential summer programs are offered during the summer institute to help rising high school freshmen, sophomore, junior and senior girls develop and practice the leadership skills necessary for success.
Please click below for the Summer Leadership Institutes:
Leadership Application
Leadership Nomination
Leadership for the New South
This program is six intensive days of pragmatic leadership development and personal assessment. Learn to focus on what really matters, market your ideas, map your leadership vision, create strategic alliances, negotiate effective outcomes and lead change. Build partnerships by building relationships within your organization, making decisions that are “system wise” and building consensus for strategic change. Create a team of motivated people who believe in your vision, trust your decisions and work together to implement innovative ideas. Create balance and perspective, minimize gender stereotypes, and avoid burnout.
Group Coaching for Professional Development - Limited to 20 participants.
Find your own voices and learn to live your lives intentionally. Coaching allows you to identify obstacles and chart a course of purposeful change. In this coaching group you will identify the results you want in your lives, establish achievable goals and action plans and move forward with encouragement, accountability and fresh perspectives. Call for more information about dates for Group Coaching.
The Leader2Leader Mentoring Program
This program matches Columbia College students with women leader mentors across South Carolina, many of whom are alumnae of the College. We are always looking for women professionals who want to help shape the next generation of leaders by sharing their experiences and life lessons.
Call The Leadership Institute at 803.786.3729 for more information about any of these programs or send an email requesting information to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .