Concordia leadership development
At Concordia University Wisconsin School of Pharmacy, we focus on student leadership development through the lens of the servant leadership philosophy. This philosophy and perspective connect with the ethos of our profession and the mission of Concordia. Servant leadership outcomes are covered longitudinally and through specific classes in our curriculum.
Within the first six weeks of the curriculum, students engage in self-development through the identification of their strengths utilizing Gallup’s StrengthsFinder® materials. Development and reflection on strengths are themes that continue through coursework and advising in our pharmacy school. You will also focus on team development and have the opportunity to combine your awareness of strengths and team dynamics in future coursework.
A focus on service as a pharmacist is further developed in the curriculum in these three areas:
- Servant Leadership and Service Learning: Students will discuss the foundations of servant leadership and examples from pharmacy history. They will also discuss how to make service happen in our communities. As a capstone, students will be organized in teams to identify, plan, and implement a service learning activity that uses their knowledge and skills to help advance the health of others.
- Legislative Advocacy: Activities geared toward navigating legislative and regulatory body advocacy will be implemented. Students will be highly encouraged to attend Pharmacy Legislative Days, one of two possible legislative projects during the spring semester, to engage in the policy and legislative process.
- Leading Change: Students will be exposed to Kotter’s Process for Leading Change and navigate this process by developing a plan to lead change in an area where students self-identify.
In addition, CUW pharmacy students can work in teams to deliver service projects in various required and elective courses.
Servant leadership principles
Concordia University Wisconsin School of Pharmacy aims to develop pharmacists who are committed to serving their profession and communities and possess the leadership skills required to do so, regardless of their position or title.
The first five learning outcomes for our Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum include:
- The student will articulate the roles, responsibilities, and characteristics of leaders who serve their organizations, communities, and professions.
- The student will possess and articulate awareness of self as a leader by discovering their strengths and values.
- The student will demonstrate a service orientation toward others by utilizing their talents, knowledge, and skills to achieve the common good.
- The student will demonstrate the ability to work in teams by combining individual strengths, team dynamics, and emotional intelligence.
- The student will participate in leading change—within groups and organizations—aimed at accomplishing goals for the common good.
In particular, the Oath of a Pharmacist calls for us to “devote our professional lives to … service …” and to “embrace and advocate changes that improve patient care.”