Uniformed Services University Selected for Inaugural Carnegie Foundation Leadership for Public Purpose Classification

USU has been honored as one of the inaugural recipients of the prestigious Carnegie Leadership for Public Purpose Classification, recognizing its commitment to advancing leadership in pursuit of justice, equity, diversity, and liberty.

A brick wall with a USU banner draped down it on the right. On the left there is a tree and a logo superimposed over the image for the Carnegie Foundation.
USU is one of 25 inaugural recipients of the prestigious Carnegie Leadership for Public Purpose
Classification. These Elective Classifications provide an independent and rigorous assessment of an
institution’s extraordinary commitment to addressing the pressing issues of society. (USU photo credit: Roderick
Evans, USU. Graphic courtesy of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching)

June 14, 2024 by USU External Affairs

The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) proudly announces its selection as one of the first recipients of the prestigious Carnegie Leadership for Public Purpose Classification. This honor, bestowed by the American Council on Education (ACE), the Doerr Institute for New Leaders at Rice University, and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, recognizes institutions that are deeply committed to advancing leadership in pursuit of justice, equity, diversity, and liberty.

“We are deeply honored to be among the first recipients of the Carnegie Leadership for Public Purpose Classification. This recognition underscores our unwavering commitment to fostering leadership that champions these essential societal values and principles. It reflects our dedication to preparing our students not just as healthcare professionals, but as leaders who are equipped to make a profound impact on society,” said Dr. Jonathan Woodson, USU President.

The journey to this recognition began in 2019 when the USU leadership development team discovered the visionary work of the Doerr Institute for New Leaders at Rice University. Inspired by their mission, USU eagerly joined the pilot program for the Carnegie Elective Classification for Leadership for Public Purpose.

USU is now proudly among 25 institutions across the United States to be classified in the inaugural 2024 cycle. These Elective Classifications provide an independent and rigorous assessment of an institution’s extraordinary commitment to addressing the pressing issues of society. In the U.S., institutions can pursue two Elective Classifications: Community Engagement and Leadership for Public Purpose.

“ACE is proud to welcome the inaugural recipients of the Carnegie Elective Classification for Leadership for Public Purpose,” said ACE President Ted Mitchell. “The institutions in this cohort serve as models in higher education, demonstrating excellence in nurturing leaders who are prepared to address and solve pressing public challenges, which is sorely needed in our society right now.”

“For several years, the Doerr Institute for New Leaders has substantively supported the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation’s collaborative efforts to establish the classification. We are excited about continuing such efforts in service of improving higher education’s commitment to fostering integrated and intentional leader development for students,” said Bernard B. Banks, director of the Doerr Institute for New Leaders.

“Congratulations to these pioneering recipients of the inaugural Carnegie Leadership for Public Purpose Classification,” said Carnegie Foundation President Timothy F.C. Knowles. “These institutions have demonstrated a relentless commitment to fostering leaders dedicated to the pursuit of vital public goods. Students from these institutions will undoubtedly shape a brighter future for us all, upholding fundamental American values and advancing opportunity for the nation.”