DISCOVER A DISTINCTIVE LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE

Edwards Leadership Development Program 

Providing a distinct, palpable leadership advantage in combination with a world-class maritime education.

 

A cadet walks in the snow during the U.S. Naval Academy Conference in Annapolis, Md.  Photo courtesy of Company Officer Gary Rossi.

 

Program Overview

Thanks to the generous support of Tom and Libby Edwards, the Edwards Leadership Development Program seeks to provide cadets with a distinct leadership advantage while on campus and as they enter their respective professions as graduates. Effectiveness, self-awareness, learning agility, and values are foundational for the program. 

The Edwards Leadership Development Program began in the fall of 2014 with a generous gift from Tom and Libby Edwards. Tom and Libby Edwards sponsor and embrace the value of a maritime education in combination with world-class leadership development. The intent of the Edwards Leadership Development Program is to provide cadets with a distinct, palpable leadership advantage in combination with a world-class maritime education. In combination with the Corps of Cadets experience, academics, career services, extracurricular programs, and athletic and recreational activities, the Edwards Leadership Development Program serves cadets as an effort aimed at making meaning of those developmental opportunities.

The Edwards Leadership Development Program consists of four areas:

• The Edwards Leadership Seminar Series
• Peer Coaching
• Partners & Events
• Research and Development

 

Tom and Libby Edwards

Tom and Libby Edwards are passionate about integrating undergraduate education with leadership development. They want participants of the cadet experience to be life-long learners and leaders, who are encouraged to continually be curious about improving themselves and their community.

There are multiple internal and external opportunities for cadets to apply and connect their leadership development. Cadets participate in and contribute to leadership conferences across the country.

Partners include external stakeholders from the maritime industry, higher education, and leadership development practitioners.

 

Edwards Leadership Seminar Series

The Edwards Leadership Seminar Series is the cohort-based, foundational leadership experience that serves as a catalyst for learning and leading in the global maritime environment. The series serves as a common experience for all cadets and provides a foundation for learning and leading. Once a month, cadets take part in cohort-based learning facilitated by faculty, staff, and fellow cadets. The series is designed in partnership with the Center for Creative Leadership. The Certificate in Leadership Studies is endorsed by the Center for Creative Leadership.

 

Peer Coaching

Peer Coaching is the cohort-based, skill-building workshop that allows cadets to deepen their knowledge of leadership principles by helping
fellow cadets apply their learning and recognize their development. Peer coaching is offered to deepen the leadership learning for both the coach and their peers. In addition, it provides a real-time application of the leadership lessons and practices. Peer coaching is built and delivered in partnership with the Center for Creative Leadership.

 

Events and Conferences

There are multiple internal and external opportunities for cadets to apply their leadership development skills outside of Cal Maritime's campus community. Partnerships, conferences, and events allow cadets to apply knowledge in off-campus settings, explore new points of
view, and work with other educators and leaders. Cadets participate in and contribute to leadership conferences across the country. Partners include external stakeholders from the maritime industry, higher education, and leadership development practitioners.