Colleges that Encourage Character Development

In an era where higher education is often judged by academic rankings, job placement statistics, and research output, the cultivation of character in students is sometimes overshadowed. However, there is a growing recognition of the importance of fostering ethical development, personal integrity, and social responsibility in the collegiate experience. The Templeton Guide: Colleges that Encourage Character Development offers a valuable perspective by highlighting institutions that prioritize the development of virtues such as leadership, service, and civic engagement alongside academic achievement. Featured in this guide are colleges and universities that have demonstrated a strong commitment to nurturing the moral and ethical growth of their students, helping them not only excel in their careers but also become responsible and compassionate members of society.

Among the leading institutions included in this guide are Saint Louis University, Michigan State University, the University of South Dakota, California State University, Fullerton, and Abilene Christian University. Each of these schools offers unique programs and initiatives aimed at developing character, which ultimately contributes to shaping students into well-rounded individuals ready to make meaningful contributions to society.

Saint Louis University (SLU), a Jesuit institution, stands as one of the notable examples featured in the Templeton Guide. The John Templeton Foundation named SLU as one of 325 colleges and universities nationwide that promotes character growth and development among its students. As a Jesuit university, SLU has a long-standing tradition of integrating academic rigor with the development of personal and moral character. Jesuit education emphasizes the cura personalis, or care for the whole person, which includes fostering intellectual, emotional, and spiritual growth. At SLU, students are encouraged to explore their own values, engage with complex ethical dilemmas, and cultivate a sense of social responsibility. These principles are embedded in the university’s core curriculum and extracurricular activities, which provide students with opportunities for service learning, community engagement, and leadership development. In keeping with the Jesuit tradition, SLU’s focus on character development extends beyond the classroom, encouraging students to become reflective individuals who are mindful of their roles in the world.

A central part of SLU’s commitment to character development is its emphasis on service learning, where students can engage in projects that address social issues and help those in need. These opportunities challenge students to reflect on their responsibilities as citizens and leaders, encouraging them to consider how their academic knowledge can be used to improve the lives of others. The university also promotes character through programs that foster leadership, community service, and moral reflection. SLU’s commitment to the holistic development of its students is evident in the recognition it has received from the Templeton Foundation, reinforcing its position as a leader in character education.

Michigan State University (MSU), a public research university in East Lansing, Michigan, is another institution featured in the Templeton Guide. MSU is recognized for two outstanding programs that promote student character development: the Liberty Hyde Bailey Scholars Program and the Bailey Program in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The Liberty Hyde Bailey Scholars Program is a unique initiative designed to foster leadership, character, and personal growth through a 24 to 30-month journey that is deeply rooted in experiential learning. The program allows students to engage in progressively self-directed, reflective, and complex learning experiences that challenge them to examine their personal values and ethical perspectives. Through a combination of internships, community service, and interdisciplinary coursework, students in the program are not only prepared to excel in their academic fields but also to become leaders who are capable of addressing the complex challenges facing society.

The Bailey Program complements the students’ major fields of study by offering a 21-credit specialization that focuses on leadership and civic engagement. This program enhances students' academic experiences by providing them with the tools necessary to lead effectively and ethically, both in their careers and in their communities. It emphasizes the importance of character and integrity in leadership, preparing students to become professionals who not only possess technical expertise but also understand the ethical responsibilities that come with leadership positions. MSU’s emphasis on experiential learning and its integration of leadership development into academic programs have earned the university a prominent place in the Templeton Guide.

The University of South Dakota (USD) offers another noteworthy example of a university committed to character development. The university’s Civic Leadership Program is one of the oldest and most well-established programs of its kind in the Midwest, and it has earned recognition from the John Templeton Foundation for its outstanding contributions to character education. The program is designed to prepare students for lives of leadership and service by combining academic coursework with hands-on experience in the community. Students in the Civic Leadership Program are encouraged to develop a deep understanding of the ethical issues that affect society and to engage in civic action that promotes the common good.

USD’s Civic Leadership Program offers a unique opportunity for students to develop their character through real-world experiences. By participating in community service, internships, and leadership projects, students learn the importance of ethical decision-making and the role they can play in effecting positive change. The program also provides students with opportunities for reflection, allowing them to evaluate their own values and understand how those values align with the needs of the communities they serve. The program’s success is evidenced by the recognition it has received from the Templeton Foundation, highlighting USD’s dedication to shaping students who are not only academically prepared but also morally grounded and socially responsible.

California State University, Fullerton (CSUF), is another institution that has been recognized in the Templeton Guide for its commitment to character development, particularly through its Student Leadership Institute. The institute has been listed among the guide’s “Exemplary Programs” in the student leadership category, highlighting its significant role in shaping student leaders who are committed to ethical behavior and community service. CSUF’s Student Leadership Institute offers a variety of programs that promote leadership development, focusing on both individual growth and the ability to work collaboratively with others. The institute provides students with the tools and skills they need to become effective leaders, while also encouraging them to reflect on their values and the ethical implications of their leadership decisions.

Through a series of workshops, seminars, and experiential learning opportunities, CSUF’s Student Leadership Institute fosters an environment where students can develop the character traits necessary for successful leadership, such as integrity, empathy, and a commitment to social justice. The institute’s recognition by the Templeton Foundation underscores the value of its programs in promoting student character development. CSUF’s emphasis on leadership and ethical decision-making prepares students to become leaders who are not only skilled but also guided by a strong sense of moral responsibility.

Abilene Christian University (ACU), a private Christian university in Abilene, Texas, is another institution featured in the Templeton Guide for its commitment to character development. ACU has been recognized in several categories, including Presidential Leadership, Civic Education, and Senior-Year Programs. The university’s commitment to character development is deeply rooted in its Christian values, which emphasize the importance of living a life of integrity, service, and ethical leadership. ACU’s emphasis on character development is evident across its academic programs and campus activities, which provide students with opportunities to grow both intellectually and morally.

ACU’s focus on leadership is especially evident in its Presidential Leadership program, which is designed to cultivate the next generation of Christian leaders. This program provides students with the tools and knowledge necessary to lead with integrity and purpose in a variety of professional settings. In addition to leadership development, ACU offers programs in civic education that encourage students to become informed, ethical citizens who understand their responsibilities to society. The university’s Senior-Year Programs also provide students with opportunities for reflection and growth as they prepare to transition from college to the professional world. Through these programs, ACU helps students develop the character traits necessary for success in both their careers and their personal lives.

In conclusion, the Templeton Guide: Colleges that Encourage Character Development offers a valuable resource for students, parents, and educators who believe that education should extend beyond academic achievement to include the development of character. Institutions like Saint Louis University, Michigan State University, the University of South Dakota, California State University, Fullerton, and Abilene Christian University are leading the way in promoting character growth and leadership development among their students. Through innovative programs that emphasize civic engagement, ethical decision-making, and personal reflection, these universities are helping students not only succeed academically but also become responsible, compassionate leaders who are ready to make a positive impact on the world. As the importance of character in education continues to grow, these institutions serve as models for other colleges and universities seeking to integrate character development into their educational missions.