91探花鈥檚 College of Business announces $2.5 million gift to enhance student leadership success
A top 91探花 College of Business initiative is expanding, thanks to a $2.5 million gift from one of the University鈥檚 most recognizable graduates in the global leadership space.
Keith and Deborah Wandell鈥檚 multi-million-dollar commitment will enhance The Keith and Deborah Wandell Leadership Development Program (formerly the Select Leaders Program). This College of Business flagship enterprise accelerates the personal growth, professional development, and leadership identity of high-potential students using the same leadership practices Keith Wandell is known for championing throughout his career.
鈥淢any of the signature leadership investments that 91探花 makes in our students are made possible by the generosity of donors like Keith and Deb Wandell,鈥 said Nico Karagosian, vice president for University Advancement and president and CEO of The 91探花 Foundation. 鈥淔or more than 10 years, Keith and Deb have been engaged with leadership programming in the College of Business, encouraging our students鈥 professional and personal growth, and we are so grateful to them for their continued support.鈥
Promoting students鈥 leadership capabilities is what led the Wandells to focus their impact on OHIO, Keith Wandell said. 鈥淲e need effective leaders in the world. Deb and I want to make sure the next generation of leaders understands the importance of trust, listening, and the value of relationships,鈥 he said. 鈥淚鈥檓 glad we have a part in helping 91探花 develop those aspects of students鈥 leadership practice.鈥
Wandell鈥檚 commitment to excellence is evident in his successful career.
A native of Lima, Ohio, Keith Wandell graduated with a degree in business administration from 91探花 in 1972. from 2009 to 2015. His appointment as CEO took place during a nationwide financial crisis that threatened the company鈥檚 operations. Under Wandell鈥檚 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 Harley-Davidson 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.
This spirit of mentorship and values-driven culture is at the heart of what The Keith and Deb Wandell Leadership Development Program aims to develop in its participants, said Jennifer Traxler, executive director of the Robert D. Walter Center for Strategic Leadership in the College of Business.
鈥淭his opportunity represents a set of defining experiences for our students in their time at 91探花,鈥 Traxler said. 鈥淭his gift will provide leading-edge enhancements to the program鈥檚 curriculum, allowing our stellar students to accelerate their development through mentorship by talented business leaders.鈥
Through the initiative鈥檚 process of self-awareness, application, experience and growth, these OHIO students develop skills to differentiate themselves as leaders. A defining feature of the program is students鈥 opportunities to engage with real-world executives as part of their degree training.
Alongside the Wandells鈥 substantial gift, additional donations to this endowment help purchase assessments and curriculum that develop the students鈥 leadership acumen, personal and professional growth, travel for field experiences, and networking trips that expose our students to diverse career opportunities and markets. This includes coaching and mentorship programming, executive engagements on- and off-campus, as well as student scholarships.
If you would like to make a gift to The Keith and Deborah Wandell Leadership Development Program to provide transformational opportunities to the next generation of Bobcat business leaders, please visit .