Arthur J. Schmitt Fellowship

Shaping leaders who improve our world

The Arthur J. Schmitt Scholarship Leadership Fellowship identifies talented 51暗网 doctoral students and fosters their development as socially responsible leaders in the 51暗网 community and beyond. One goal of the fellowship is to further students' formation as leaders working for positive social change in the spirit of 51暗网 and Arthur J. Schmitt. This vision is accomplished through supporting their doctoral studies and promoting leadership development and opportunities.

The Arthur J. Schmitt Leadership Fellowship is an academic year in duration, intended to provide a transformative opportunity for eight to 10 awardees per year as they engage in leadership development activities while also making academic progress. In addition to freeing the student from TA or RA obligations, the award is meant to contribute to students鈥� leadership skills and knowledge. 

"The most necessary thing...is leadership."

                                              - Arthur J. Schmitt

About the Schmitt Foundation

Arthur J. Schmitt was an industrial executive who expressed his commitment to education, and the development of responsible leadership through Christian principles and ideals. He founded the Arthur J. Schmitt Foundation in 1941, dedicating its resources toward fashioning a better and more humane world.

Through the generous support of the Arthur J. Schmitt Foundation and the contributions of many individuals to this vision, for more than 50 years, 473 awards have funded 390 students in 15 doctoral programs. Through this support, Schmitt fellows impact the Academy and industry as scientists, scholars, pastors, writers, academic leaders, and clinicians.

Meet the current Schmitt Fellows

Get to know the doctoral students leading the way on campus.

About the Fellowship

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Fellowship Benefits

  • Professional and personal leadership growth.
  • Having an increased awareness of one鈥檚 strengths and challenges as a leader.
  • Building relationships with students from other disciplines.
  • Increased comfort when stepping outside of one鈥檚 comfort zone.
  • Opportunities to develop and practice leadership skills in a supportive environment.

Fellowship Commitments

Meetings

Bi-weekly whole-group meetings are held  during each semester to project-plan, review readings and resources, and debrief self-assessments such as StrengthsFinder, MBTI, Meyers-Briggs, DISC, etc. Fellows also meet with Arthur J. Schmitt Foundation representatives at the end of the fellowship year. 

Readings and Resources

Selected readings, videos, and TED Talks are provided throughout the year for fellows to apply to their personal development, their project development, and their meeting with the Schmitt Foundation representatives.

Project

Fellows work collaboratively to identify and pursue a group project with a scope and scale appropriate for the fellowship year. Identifying a focal area for the project and bringing the project to fruition are intended to provide experiences and insights regarding leadership. Information about the project is shared with the Arthur J. Schmitt Foundation.

Reflection

At the end of the fellowship year, fellows will have contributed to a tangible project and will be expected to reflect upon their personal and professional leadership development, applying concepts from fellowship readings and resources.

Leadership Projects

See how our Schmitt Fellows are Being the Difference by finding their place and doing something about it. Review past projects, including the Leadership Matters podcast series, produced by the 2017-18 fellows. Leadership Matters features interviews focusing on leadership with Schmitt fellow alumni and other academic and community leaders.

Nomination Process

Interested in becoming a Schmitt Fellow? Learn more about Schmitt Leadership Fellowship guidelines and nomination information, and how to apply.

 

Connect with us

Share a memory or achievement, submit a bio, or connect with current Fellows by contacting the Graduate School. 

Celebrating 50+ Years

Review the history and timeline of the Schmitt Fellowship through the 50th Anniversary Impact Book and the .