Grow your skills through insightful experience
Offered every fall semester, the President's Leadership Class provides second-year students a chance to earn three semester hours while getting an inside look at the university, hands-on experience, and direct engagement. Currently enrolled first-year students are selected through an application and interview process. Leadership development is a strategic priority at Iowa, with the Office of the President committed to helping future leaders succeed.
Gain access to influential voices
Get an opportunity to interact with community and state leaders as well as those from across campus, including UI President Barbara Wilson.
Learn leadership by doing
Explore relevant leadership issues, participate in meaningful civic activities, and build your own leadership style through engaging curriculum.
Connect with other Hawkeyes
The President's Leadership Class brings together selected second-year students who are ready to take initiative and strengthen their skills.
Ready to apply?
Applications for the President's Leadership Class for fall 2026 are open from Feb. 9 to March 16 to current University of Iowa first-year students.
“This amazing opportunity has not only allowed me to learn more about the University of Iowa and leadership as a whole, but it has also helped me to unlock my own potential as a future leader, empowering me with skills I will take with me into the rest of college and beyond.”
What sets this class apart
- Created in 2008 as a collaboration between the Division of Student Life and the Office of the President.
- Taught by President Wilson, with support from Erika Christiansen (staff instructor) and Kristin Beckman (President's Office).
- Offered to students selected through an application and interview process.
- Includes a semester-long team project of significance to the university, building a lasting impact and creating relationships across campus.
President’s Leadership Class Fall 2025
Don't miss your chance
Applications for fall 2026 will be open from Feb. 9 to March 16 for enrolled first-year undergraduate students.
If the application isn’t open yet and you’d like a reminder, fill out the 2026 interest form.
Email erika-christiansen@uiowa.edu with any questions.
“I cherished the opportunity to work alongside a group of highly motivated, insightful peers as we built our leadership skills, created connections with key university decision-makers, and made a lasting impact on the university. ”