Mission Statement

The mission of the Master of Arts in Public Leadership program is to foster a learning community where service-oriented students from across the ideological spectrum, particularly veterans and military families, together with faculty and alumni, can build on their leadership and public service experience, engage in constructive political dialogue, and evolve as ethical and strategic public leaders. The curriculum blends theory and practice and equips students for a Second Service in public office, legislative affairs, campaign management, advocacy, and civic leadership.

Core Values

Commitment to Civil Discourse

While politics is inherently competitive, learning can and should be a humanizing, social activity rather than a competitive exercise, and shared military service is a rare bond that can transcend political tribalism and facilitate productive dialogue across lines of difference. Moreover, in cultivating a culture of service that respects and promotes the dignity of every person, we will encourage each other to respect the dignity of our colleagues’ viewpoints. We aspire to improve the level of discourse in American politics, and we will endeavor to facilitate a community in which the issues that divide the American people can be discussed in a civil and productive manner. 

Facilitating Dialogue across Differences

Any view expressed by an elected official or serious candidate is inherently part of the country’s political discourse. We recognize that some views expressed by elected officials may be seen as beyond the bounds of acceptable conversation and contrary to the mission and values of a Jesuit institution committed to social justice. In the spirit of open discourse, we welcome both students and faculty to forcefully object to platforming controversial opinions. However, we consider reasoned discourse rather than coercion as the norm for decision making; and no student, instructor, advisor, speaker, or alum will be excluded for expressing their viewpoints. 

Diversity and Inclusion

We view diversity of perspectives, experiences, and traditions as essential components of a quality education. Discourse across lines of difference cannot happen without the participation of students and faculty who are substantially representative of the country both demographically and ideologically. We are committed to fostering conditions that will enable meaningful dialogue among a representative community that facilitates student enrichment. Equally important, we strive to ensure that all students and faculty can fully participate. 

Ethical Leadership across the Ideological Spectrum

Recognizing that most students arrive with significant life experience and strong ethical foundations, we do not presume to tell students what their policy positions or political leadings should be, but instead to learn from one another how to make such decisions ethically as leaders. Given our commitment to a cross-partisan dialogue among the faculty and student body, and in light of the academic obligation to seek truth and follow evidence to its conclusion, the program will take no official position on any issue where there is not a consensus among the American people. We encourage students and faculty to forcefully express their beliefs, and we honor the Jesuit community’s duty to take strong stands on issues of social justice and morality. 

Civic Engagement by Veterans and Military Families 

We recognize and celebrate that veterans have devoted themselves to securing the rights granted us, whether by God or natural law, and believe that it is appropriate that in doing so they have willingly given up a portion of those rights, including the right to participate fully in the political system, thereby preserving civilian control of the military, an essential component of a stable democracy. It is therefore crucial that we help them to engage fully in civic life once they are no longer in uniform. Moreover, we recognize that those who have sacrificed the political aspect of their identity while in uniform are particularly deserving of taking part in the rights they have spent their lives defending.

Nonviolent Political Participation & Civilian Control of the Military

Recognizing that we have a multitude of perspectives on the merits of our system of government, we are committed to teaching students how to operate within that system to influence, preserve, and adapt it, exclusively through nonviolent means. Given this, and being mindful of the awesome faith that Americans demonstrate in arming our service-members while trusting them never to use their arms to threaten those they have been charged to protect, we affirm the importance of civilian control of the military, as well as the importance of keeping the military out of partisan politics. 

Excellence over Exclusivity

We aspire to excellence as the standard for teaching, scholarship, creative expression, and faculty and staff will endeavor to help students make the greatest positive impact they are capable of. In admitting students and awarding scholarships, greater weight will be given to applicants’ demonstrated commitment to public service and potential for future service, than to academic credentials or test scores. Faculty, staff, and students will endeavor to assist one another as we explore how and who we choose to be in the world, helping each one of us determine our Second Service.

Adopted by the MA in Public Leadership program in 2021; Reaffirmed in 2025