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Rollins College's Launch of The Rick Goings Institute

In a significant development for leadership education, Rollins College has introduced The Rick Goings Institute for Management and Executive Leadership. This initiative heralds a transformative approach to training senior executives, emphasizing sound judgment in an era of unprecedented disruption. With a staggering investment of $200 million, this is a major element of Rollins' ambitious "Innovation Triangle" project.

The establishment of this institute comes at a crucial time when global dynamics are constantly evolving. Senior executives encounter challenges like geopolitical shifts, regulatory fluctuations, and rapid technological advances. At the heart of the institute's mission is addressing the critical gap in traditional executive education—the ability to make wise decisions when conventional frameworks are insufficient.

Eric Spiegel, a veteran in strategy consulting and former CEO of Siemens USA, highlighted the transformation needed in executive education. According to Spiegel, while traditional programs provide valuable frameworks, they often fall short of instilling judgment—an essential skill for navigating complex, real-world situations. He views the institute as a much-needed evolution that marries the pragmatic nature of liberal arts education with the pressing demands of today's business environment.

The creation of the Rick Goings Institute was made possible through generous seed funding from the Rick & Susan Goings Foundation, marking the completion of Rollins' Innovation Triangle. This ambitious three-part initiative includes the institute, the Rollins Museum of Art, and The Alfond Inn—each component playing a critical role in the college's vision for a new standard in education.

The institute aims to provide advanced training for executives who already possess fundamental leadership skills. It focuses on refining their ability to navigate complex operational challenges, understand market dynamics, manage technological transitions, and enhance organizational performance amidst instability. This educational model recognizes that today’s leaders must possess not just knowledge but also the nuanced judgment necessary to respond to unexpected changes in the landscape.

Anil Menon, the CEO of The Rick Goings Institute and Dean of the Crummer Graduate School of Business, echoes the sentiment that we are in a state of "permacrisis." He emphasizes that traditional metrics of leadership such as efficiency and scale are no longer adequate. Today's leaders must be equipped to interpret novel situations, make informed decisions, and communicate effectively across diverse perspectives—a capability the institute is committed to developing.

Scheduled to launch its inaugural programs in 2026, the Rick Goings Institute will offer bespoke corporate training solutions and forge strategic partnerships with various organizations, including collaborations with the Young Presidents' Organization. The aim is to provide a platform where leaders can exchange insights, tackle their challenges collectively, and drive meaningful change.

Brooke Barnett, the president of Rollins College, reiterated the institution’s commitment to a liberal arts education that fosters critical thinking and adaptive leadership skills. The Rick Goings Institute is poised to enhance Rollins' position as a premier institution for leadership training, not just in Florida but across the country.

The institute seeks to cultivate a community of leaders from various sectors, including business, non-profit, and government organizations. By fostering collaboration toward shared solutions, it hopes to create ethical and sustained societal impacts. The combination of intensive business content, peer interactions, and cross-sector collaboration contributes to a rich learning environment, vital for developing the leaders of tomorrow.

The importance of human-centered leadership cannot be overstated, especially in a rapidly changing world. Rick Goings, chair of the Rollins Board of Trustees, underscores that effective leadership harnesses the strengths of individuals to foster innovation and results. The institute aims to democratize access to leadership frameworks that value human judgment, perspective, and purpose as organizations evolve.

Almost a century ago, Rollins College recognized the importance of broader thinking in addressing complex issues, a philosophy that underpins the foundation of The Rick Goings Institute. With a legacy of adapting educational practices, including pioneering discussions on liberal arts in the early 20th century, the institute is set to be a transformative force in executive education. By nurturing essential skills like systems thinking and a human-centered approach, it prepares leaders to face the challenges of modern business environments.

In conclusion, The Rick Goings Institute signifies a groundbreaking venture in leadership education, focusing on developing the critical thinking and ethical clarity required for effective leadership in rapidly changing times. With programs set to commence in 2026, it promises to set a new precedent for how leadership is taught and practiced.

For more information about The Rick Goings Institute and its initiatives, visit their official website.