UD Continues to produce influential leaders
TIME ranks UD among nation’s ‘Best Colleges for Future Leaders’
The University of Delaware plays a key role in educating and shaping the next generation of leaders for the nation, according to a new ranking by TIME and Statista.
UD is one of 125 institutions named in TIME’s Best Colleges for Future Leaders 2025.
TIME developed the list of “elite schools” from an analysis of 4,000 résumés belonging to top influential leaders in diverse career fields in the United States. Researchers doubled their sample size from last year and found that it diversified the schools represented on the list.
“This recognition points to the excellent preparation of the University of Delaware’s students to succeed throughout their lives and careers,” President Dennis Assanis said. “Our faculty and staff are committed to fostering learning environments that empower students to unleash their potential, sharpen their leadership skills and discover the areas where they can make a difference in the world.”
UD’s 205,000 alumni include top leaders in all fields of human endeavor ranging from the arts to business, science, technology, education, healthcare, policy and more.
The University has multiple academic and extracurricular programs that promote leadership. These include both an undergraduate major and minor, an MBA in strategic leadership, a master of education in teacher leadership and a graduate certificate in strategic leadership. Undergraduate students can also earn a leadership certificate through the Blue Hen Leadership Program.
“We are proud of our alumni and our role in developing leaders who positively impact our economy and society,” said Nathan Elton, executive director of postgraduate and student success integration. “Our workforce engagement inspires students to develop relevant skills for personal and professional success and find creative and innovative solutions to complex challenges.”
For local high school students, UD offers the Siegfried Youth Leadership Program to help them develop leadership skills, enriching their lives and inspiring positive change in their communities. Also, the Women’s Leadership Initiative offers programs and educational events for students, faculty, alumni and executive leaders in the community to help address gender and leadership issues in society.
UD also promotes leadership on the global stage, annually hosting the Mandela Washington Fellows program on campus to help train young leaders to serve their communities in Africa.
Article by Jaime Washington. Photo by Maria Errico.