Multi-Institutional Study of Leadership
Evidence for Impact
We are currently in between administration cycles. For information once our next enrollment process opens, please complete the interest form below.
The MSL is an international research program focused on understanding the influences of higher education in shaping socially responsible leadership capacity & other leadership related outcomes (e.g., efficacy, cognitive skills, resiliency).
Beyond a research program, the MSL is an international movement toward more effective, evidence-based college student leadership development.
An international research program; an international movement
Recent News
In recent years, the Multi-Institutional Study of Leadership (MSL) transitioned to a new partnership structure. Whereas the study used to be administered as a collaboration between one university and SoundRocket, the study now spans three different types of organizations: The Aspen Institute, SoundRocket, and Marquette University–creating exciting opportunities for research and practice.
We are happy to announce that through our collaboration with the Aspen Institute, the MSL has received a generous grant from the Bezos Family Foundation that will enable us to provide substantial scholarships to campuses for participation in the MSL2021 . . .
We’re excited to announce that the MSL is entering into a new partnership with The Aspen Institute that will enable us to expand the reach and impact of this work. By working with The Aspen Institute, we will be able to partake in new leadership development experiences, connect with a broader leadership development network, and take advantage of an expanded set of resources.
In addition to services already provided . . .
Leadership Thoughts…
The Latinx population, has been substantially growing in the recent years. Currently, the US Hispanic population is over 60 million. From 2010 to 2021, “The U.S. population grew by 23.1 million…and Hispanics accounted for 52% of this increase – a greater share than any other racial or ethnic group” (Krogstad et al., 2022, para. 4). This growth has translated into higher education. When looking at the amount of schooling, “About 44% of U.S. Hispanic adults ages 25 and older had at least some college experience in 2021, up from 36% in 2010” (Krogstad et al., 2022, para. 20).
As higher education institutions reopen for spring term, administrators, staff, and faculty are navigating new challenges presented by the rapid spread of the COVID-19 Omicron variant. At this point in the pandemic, students may expect last-minute shifts to schedules and modes of instruction given their past experiences; yet this does not minimize the impact the pandemic has had on their learning experiences in college.
There is no better example of the old axiom—you get out what you put it—than when applied to the selection of a sample for your survey data collection. Selecting the right sample will ensure that you can answer the questions that you desire when your study is done.
Sampling can be a scary process for those who are not familiar with the techniques, so when possible, we do recommend connecting with a professional sampling statistician to assist. However, there are some basics to consider when implementing a study like the MSL . . .
Recently, I was visiting with family when one of my relatives started talking about the protests related specifically to the murders of several Black folks across the country and more generally to police brutality and systemic racism. She mentioned that the violence against Black people is horrible but that she didn’t agree with blocking off highways and other areas or the destruction of property that was happening concurrently with the protests. Normally, I would let comments like this slide – I prefer not to rock the boat with family. But this time I felt compelled to provide a different perspective, to push back and challenge my relative to see it differently . . .