Leading with Courage

Leading with Courage is an undergraduate honors course taught by Chancellor Donde Plowman and former Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam focused on the theoretical and practical application of courageous leadership.

Students in the class examine how Tennesseans from across generations, industries, and communities found the courage to be bold and decisive leaders. Over the course of the semester, students learn the self-awareness and skills to lead with purpose by paying particular attention to character, conscience formation, receiving and seeking constructive feedback, decision-making, and taking calculated risks.

Featured guest speakers offer insights on themes such as speaking truth to power, owning failures, values and ethics, trusting others, and leading in turbulent times. Plowman and Haslam also share personal experiences and lessons they have learned on their own leadership journeys.

Housed in the Institute of American Civics, the course is open to any university honors student.