Leadership Award – The Chicago Open University

The Leadership Award is one of the highest distinctions bestowed by The Chicago Open University, designed to honor individuals who have demonstrated visionary leadership, ethical decision-making, and transformative influence within their professional domain or community. This award recognizes leaders whose actions have not only driven progress but have inspired change, fostered inclusion, and upheld integrity at every level.

While the Honoris Causa Award celebrates broad societal impact and lifetime achievement, the Leadership Award specifically acknowledges individuals who have led with purpose, resilience, and innovation, creating meaningful and measurable outcomes.

Purpose of the Leadership Award

• Recognize Transformational Leadership: Celebrate individuals whose leadership has brought about significant change within organizations, industries, or societies.
• Promote Ethical Stewardship: Highlight leadership rooted in ethical values, accountability, and social responsibility.
• Encourage Future Leaders: Offer a model for aspiring leaders, showcasing the impact of visionary and servant leadership.

Eligibility Criteria

Nominees for the Leadership Award must demonstrate:

• Visionary Influence: Clear evidence of foresight, strategic thinking, and the ability to guide others toward a compelling future.
• Organizational or Community Impact: Proven success in leading initiatives, organizations, or movements that resulted in sustainable growth, innovation, or social benefit.
• Integrity & Ethics: A leadership style grounded in transparency, fairness, and respect, with a strong moral compass.
• Mentorship & Empowerment: Commitment to mentoring others, building inclusive teams, and nurturing the leadership potential of future generations.
• Alignment with COU Values: A shared commitment to lifelong learning, equity, collaboration, and societal advancement, in line with The Chicago Open University’s mission.

Nomination & Submission Guidelines

To be considered for the Leadership Award, a nomination or self-nomination must include:

• Leadership Portfolio or CV: An outline of leadership roles, milestones, projects led, and their impact.
• Leadership Statement: A written narrative detailing leadership philosophy, challenges overcome, and key contributions to people, institutions, or causes.
• Letters of Endorsement: Two or more testimonials from individuals who can attest to the nominee’s leadership character, vision, and influence.
• Supplementary Evidence: Any relevant media, case studies, awards, or publications supporting the nominee’s leadership impact.

Nominations are evaluated by the university’s Awards Committee based on alignment with criteria, impact, and authenticity.

Benefits of the Leadership Award

• Institutional Recognition: Prestigious acknowledgment from a respected academic body known for promoting global leadership and innovation.
• Credibility & Influence: Strengthens the nominee’s public profile, opening doors to broader influence in advisory, academic, or leadership circles.
• Inspirational Role Model: Provides a platform to inspire others through storytelling, mentorship, and public engagement.
• Network Expansion: Opportunities to connect with other honorees, thought leaders, and changemakers through the COU network.
• Legacy Building: Establishes a formal recognition of leadership that can inspire institutional, national, or global change.

Leadership in the Spirit of COU

The Chicago Open University believes that true leadership is not about position or power, but about service, vision, and impact. The Leadership Award honors those who rise above challenges, unite others, and light the way forward—individuals whose example elevates those around them and aligns with the university’s values of progress, innovation, and social equity.