History:
The Clint W. Murchison Chair of Free Enterprise created the Roden Leadership Program to recruit and retain students with strong potential and interest in leadership. Initiated in the Fall of 2001 with a generous gift from Mr. Ted Roden (B.S. Ch.E. 1943), the Roden program was founded to cultivate an entrepreneurial spirit in these students. This was done in the hopes that they one day take the skills learned throughout their college experience and be able to start their own companies. The 21 current Roden scholars believe that the best way to develop the confidence and other skills needed to be successful entrepreneurs is to promote leadership in the ways mentioned in the Roden mission statement.
Mission Statement:
"To a make a positive impact on the world around us by developing leadership in ourselves and inspiring leadership in others."
To achieve this, the Roden Leadership Program commits to:
1. Cultivate the skills necessary to address real world problems. 2. Stimulate creativity and new perspectives to promote innovative contributions to society. 3. Provide experience and resources that will initiate and drive changes. 4. Ensure that members place integrity at the forefront of all their actions.
Constitution:
For the ratified Roden Constitution (in *.pdf), click here
Membership:
The Roden Leadership Program is currently seeking new members who have a commitment to developing leadership in themselves and in others. Complete details are available here.
Steve Nichols & The Chair of Free Enterprise:
The Director of the Clint W. Murchison Chair of Free Enterprise, Dr. Steven P. Nichols, directs the Chair's activities and works closely with faculty from the College of Engineering and other University academic and research organizations and the Advisory Committee to develop and support Engineering Entrepreneurship. The Director also coordinates activities with faculty from other colleges at UT-Austin, other universities, and the broader community. His bio can be found here. Dr. Nichols serves as the faculty advisor for the Roden Leadership Program.