Johnson Institute for Responsible Leadership
The Johnson Institute for Responsible Leadership is a research and teaching center within the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA). The Institute helps GSPIA fulfill its mission to prepare students to make significant contributions through leadership in public service and plays an integral role in the University of Pittsburgh’s broader community engagement efforts.
Founded in 2006, the Johnson Institute is named in honor of the late Glen and LaVonne Johnson. Funds for the Johnson Institute directly drive student leadership, experiential learning opportunities, and support for activities throughout the year that connect students with prominent leaders from around the globe. Below are some highlights from the Johnson Institute:
- As part of its ongoing mission to support nonprofits and foster collaboration, the Johnson Institute’s Nonprofit Clinic supports 10 nonprofits in the region each year with free consulting services to enhance their operations and effectiveness. This course also provides GSPIA students the opportunity to work hands-on with a nonprofit, leading to employment and leadership opportunities in this sector for a strong majority of student participants. To date, this program has supported over 150 Pittsburgh-area nonprofits with pro bono consulting services.
- The Nonprofit Board Governance and Leadership course places GSPIA students on the governing boards of local nonprofit organizations, providing them with classroom instruction and real experience about this important aspect of nonprofit organizational managment.
- The Diplomacy in Action capstone course provides students with the opportunity to complete a project for the U.S. Department of State through its Diplomacy Lab program. Through this highly interactive course, students develop skills necessary to serve as U.S. diplomats and to use discourse and dialogue to resolve conflict and address complex challenges.
- The Johnson Institute hosts workshops that leverage GSPIA's faculty, staff, and student expertise to provide area nonprofit organizations instruction on issues of concern to these organizations.
- The Johnson Institute recognizes the work of inspiring leaders through the exemplary and emerging leader awards. The recipients are selected by Johnson Institute students and given to leaders who exhibit the characteristics promoted within the community, thus providing a venue for public discourse on important issues of leadership and public service. Case studies on the exemplary and emerging leader award recipients are researched and written by GSPIA students.
Reflections from Students
“The Johnson Institute bridges the gap between the classroom and the real world, giving students a powerful opportunity to build their leadership abilities. It also does exceptional work in bringing together the university community, nonprofits, and other stakeholders in the region for everyone’s benefit.” - Dan Rudy, MPA '24
“The Johnson Institute has helped me, and many others become powerful leaders. This is achieved through the support of the amazing staff, who work extremely hard each day to create an environment where students can gain the skills and confidence needed to reach their true potential.” -Tristen Thakar, MPIA '22