FORGINGFORWARD

As announced in the fall, Select Leaders is now the Wandell Leadership Development Program. The program participants are known as Wandell Leadership Fellows thanks to a $2.5m endowment from Keith and Deborah Wandell to the program. This extraordinarily generous gift will accelerate the personal growth, professional development, and leadership identity of high-potential students using the same leadership practices Keith is known for championing throughout his career.

Promoting students’ leadership capabilities led the Wandells to focus their impact on leadership programming in the College of Business for over ten years. Keith stated, “We need effective leaders in the world. Deb and I want to make sure the next generation of leaders understand the importance of trust, listening, and the value of relationships,” he said. “I’m glad we have a part in helping Ohio University develop those aspects of students’ leadership practice.”

“This gift will provide leading-edge enhancements to the program, allowing students to accelerate their development through strategic leadership curriculum, experiential learning, and networking opportunities along with being mentored by successful alumni and business leaders,” stated Jen Traxler, Executive Director of the Robert D. Walter Center for Strategic Leadership and Executive Director of the Wandell Leadership Development Program.

Wandell’scommitmentto excellenceisevidentinhis successfulcareer.

A native of Lima, Ohio, Keith Wandell graduated with a degree in business administration from Ohio University in 1972. Wandell served as CEO of Harley-Davidson from 2009 to 2015. Under Wandell’s leadership, Harley-Davidson developed and implemented a strategy that successfully transformed the 112-year-old company, restored its financial strength, and positioned it for continued growth.

Wandell drove success for the organization through his commitment to strong, principled leadership at all levels. He championed extensive leadership training at HarleyDavidson among management staff and encouraged ongoing leadership education throughout the company. Wandell is internationally known not only for his ability to create high-performing, values-driven cultures, but also for his willingness to mentor others.