Montana State University

MSU Leadership Institute

Inspiring MSU students to become leaders who serve as catalysts for positive change
Charles Best

Education, Philanthropy and Civic Engagement with Charles Best

Social Entrepreneurship: My Venture Changes the World. Can Yours?
Tuesday, March 5th at 7:30pm in the SUB Ballrooms
Doors open at 6:45pm
This event is free and open to the public

Educator and entrepreneur, Charles Best leads DonorsChoose.org, an online charity connecting classrooms in need with donors who want to help. Find out how Best went from teaching in his own classroom in the Bronx to impacting more than 6.6 million students in America and has currently distributed over $165,000,000.  Read more

Beyond Our Differences

Beyond Our Differences

Wednesday, April 3rd at 7:00pm at the MSU Procrastinator Theater
Doors open at 6:50pm
This event is free and open to the public
Watch the Trailer

Beyond Our Differences provides a tapestry of distinct voices and viewpoints regarding spirituality, woven with one universal expression of hope. By providing such a variety of experiences in such an accessible format, it hopes that viewers will understand this message of hope and will become empowered through their own expressions of faith to impact positive change in their lives and the lives of others.

Following the film will be a discussion session aimed at further stimulation of the questions brought to the table by the film. Learn more

Paul Schmitz

Building Leadership from the Community Up

Tuesday, February 19th at 7:00pm in the MSU Procrastinator Theater
Doors Open at 6:30pm
This event is free and open to the public

Paul Schmitz, CEO of Public Allies, will speak about building leadership from the community up. Public Allies has advanced leadership of over 4,000 young adults to strengthen communities, nonprofits, and civic participation across the country. Read more

Outdoor Leading, Upward Thinking

2013 MSU Leadership Summit: Outdoor Leading, Upward Thinking

Friday, February 22, 5:00pm - Saturday, February 23, 1:00pm at a secret outdoor location.
This event is $15 and open to MSU Students
Shuttle service provided.

This year’s Leadership Summit is aimed at collaboration and problem solving as participants engage in workshops and recreational activities in the great outdoors. The retreat-like atmosphere will foster an intimate setting of learning and inspiration. The overnight workshop contains a mix of keynote speakers, breakout sessions and outdoor activities. Read more

American Teacher

American Teacher

Wednesday, February 20th at 7:00pm in the MSU Procrastinator Theatre
Doors Open at 6:50pm
This event is free and open to the public
Watch the Trailer

Join the MSU Leadership Institute as we host a free screening of American Teacher in the Procrastinator Theater, located in the Strand Union Building at MSU. Learn more

Winona LaDuke

Winona LaDuke

Thursday, April 11th at 7:00pm
Location: Gaines Hall 101
Doors Open at 6:15pm
This event is free and open to the public

Join the host Society of American Indian Graduates and sponsor MSU Leadership Institute, as we welcome Winona LaDuke, a prominent American Indian activist, environmentalist and writer. Read more

Education, Philanthropy and Civic Engagement with Charles Best

Education, Philanthropy and Civic Engagement with Charles Best

Social Entrepreneurship: My Venture Changes the World. Can Yours?
Tuesday, March 5th at 7:30pm in the SUB Ballrooms
Doors open at 6:45pm

Educator and entrepreneur, Charles Best leads DonorsChoose.org, an online charity connecting classrooms in need with donors who want to help. Find out how Best went from teaching in his own classroom in the Bronx to impacting more than 6.6 million students in America and has currently distributed over $165,000,000.  Read more

Thomas Mann and Norman Ornstein

The State of Congress and American Politics

Wednesday, Feb 6th at 4:10pm
This event is free and open to the public
MSU Engineering and Physical Sciences Building (EPS) 103, corner of South 7th & Grant Ave

Video conference with Thomas Mann and Norman Ornstein

Join us for conversation and thoughtful reflection on the state of Congress and American politics with renowned congressional scholars Thomas Mann and Norman Ornstein.  Read more


Founded in 1997 by the Associated Students of Montana State University to provide leadership opportunities and inspiration to students, the MSU Leadership Institute offers answers, resources, and connections for the future leaders of business, government and education.  Acting as a catalyst to the awakening of students’ natural leadership skills, communication abilities and creativity, the Institute empowers students to do more.

The MSU Leadership Institute will lead Montana forward by generating further student involvement through increased leadership connections, trainings, film series, dynamic lunch discussions, and quality keynote speakers.  Students will be constantly challenged to think deeper about their current leadership roles and their future impact. By leveraging powerful ideas into action, the MSU Leadership Institute houses an environment for growing student leadership innovations.

Donate Now

To donate to the MSU Leadership Institute click on the above link to access the MSU Foundation online donation form. Be sure to use the "Other" blank when choosing the designation for your gift to indicate that you want your donation to go to the MSU Leadership Institute.

Leadership Staff with Maya Angelou

Leadership Institute staff and volunteers after An Evening with Maya Angelou