Character of Leaders Initiative (CLI)
A collaboration between the Trent Lott Leadership Institute and The Center for Practical Ethics
Leaders of character are not born; they are made. Today the work of forming leaders of character has reemerged as a priority for those universities that seek to create citizen scholars who know how to work together to solve complex problems. Our world has no shortage of complex problems. We need leaders with the passion, energy, and vision to make a difference; leaders who can see clearly the moral weight of their actions. Becoming that kind of person requires great personal effort and an environment where knowledge is married to practice. The Character of Leaders Initiative (CLI) is meeting that need.
CLI is a 3.5-year program funded by a generous grant from Wake Forest University's Educating Character Initiative awarded jointly to the Trent Lott Leadership Institute and The Center for Practical Ethics. Our work centers on integrating character education into every aspect of a student's experience at the University of Mississippi (UM). We foster moral, civic, and intellectual virtues on our campus through education, mentorship, and community engagement using a method which builds on the core virtues of Fairness, Respect, Integrity, Civility, and Humility found within UM Creed, and on decades of character education to create a unified and interdisciplinary approach for developing ethical and effective leaders.
“If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then you have accomplished something.”
– Dolly Parton
Virtue
Development
Promoting respect, civility, fairness, intellectual humility, and personal integrity as essential traits for leadership.
Areas of Focus
By integrating moral, civic, and intellectual virtues, CLI is creating a culture of ethical leadership to help students and citizens navigate a complex world with empathy and integrity.
Integrated
Education
Merging curricular and co-curricular programs to create a cohesive learning environment.
Leadership
Preparation
Training students to serve as ethical leaders in their communities, careers, and personal lives.
Campus Culture Transformation
Promoting a shared commitment to ethical leadership across students, faculty, staff, and administration.
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.”
- Maya Angelou
Cohorts of our University Community
CLI Scholars
Faculty leading what comes next.
A group of faculty spent a year collectively learning about character education models and sharing their expertise. They’ve integrated their research into updated, revised courses and a slate of brand-new courses for our campus. Learn more about these amazing Scholars and stay tuned for more information about the coming course availability.
CLI Stewards
Staff leadership through connection, reflection, and shared leadership for our campus.
This year-long program brings together staff from across the university to explore character, leadership, and shared purpose during the 2026-2027 academic year. Meet the current cohort and discover how they are helping sustain and enrich our campus culture.
CLI Ambassadors
Students connecting, developing character, and shaping the future.
The CLI Ambassadors Program brings together an exceptional cohort of undergraduate students for a year of leadership and character development. Learn how these students are growing as leaders and contributing to a stronger culture of integrity, service, and excellence at Ole Miss.
CLI Awards
We’ve recognized three groups for their character and leadership on campus with the Exemplar Awards, Community Awards, and Vision Awards. Learn more about these awards and meet these remarkable people.
“Watch your thoughts, they become words;
watch your words, they become actions;
watch your actions, they become habits;
watch your habits, they become character;
watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”
– Frank Outlaw (Late President of the Bi-Lo Stores)
Recommended Books
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Learning to Disagree explores how we can engage meaningfully across deep divides without compromising our convictions. Drawing from law, theology, and personal experience, Inazu offers practical guidance for navigating disagreement with integrity and empathy. Through real-life stories and thoughtful reflection, Inazu makes a compelling case for principled pluralism in a polarized world.
The Character Gap: How Good Are We? by Christian Miller
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In The Character Gap, Miller examines the discrepancy between how virtuous we believe we are and how we actually behave. Drawing on psychological studies, he argues that most people possess a mix of good and bad traits, falling between virtue and vice. Miller explores strategies for character improvement, such as emulating moral role models and cultivating self-awareness.
The Excellent Mind: Intellectual Virtues for Everyday Life by Nathan King
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This book explores the significance of intellectual virtues—traits like curiosity, humility, honesty, and courage—in fostering effective thinking and responsible citizenship. Drawing from philosophy and psychology, King illustrates how cultivating these virtues can enhance personal relationships, civil discourse, and lifelong learning. The book offers practical guidance on developing intellectual character, emphasizing its role in both education and everyday life.
Mastering Civility: A Manifesto for the Workplace by Christine Porath
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In Mastering Civility, Porath shows how small acts of respect and kindness at work can boost morale, performance, and retention. Drawing on research and real-world examples, she illustrates how incivility harms organizations and why leaders should prioritize a culture of respect. The book offers practical tips for building a more positive, productive workplace.
Blackboard Sign Up
Students, staff, and faculty can join the University of Mississippi CLI network. Just send us an email with the subject line “Add me to CLI Blackboard page” and we’ll use your university-affiliated email address to add you to the Blackboard page for access to additional events, materials, lists of courses, reading groups, and award opportunities.