Inaugural Adler Fellowship Intensive Launches at Florida Atlantic University

Thirty-five top MBA candidates and alumni from across the country gathered at Florida Atlantic University’s Boca Raton campus to begin their journey through the inaugural Mortimer J. Adler Fellowship in Transformational Leadership—a program dedicated to developing business leaders grounded in character, purpose, and human excellence.

The five-day intensive, held March 15–19, 2025 at the FAU Executive Education facilities, marked the official launch of the Fellowship experience. Over the course of 45 hours, participants engaged in rigorous philosophical discussions and leadership development sessions guided by program faculty Dr. Michael Ryall, Dr. Jeremy Wilkins, and Dr. Joshua Harris.

The Fellowship’s academic framework is rooted in classical philosophy, particularly the Aristotelian concept of eudaimonia—human flourishing. Fellows explored the moral foundations of leadership, the role of character in decision-making, and practical methods for aligning professional purpose with personal values. Sessions ranged from formal seminars to breakout discussions, all designed to foster self-awareness, wisdom, and a deeper commitment to service in business leadership.

“Words cannot adequately convey how transformative this experience was,” said participant Mali Hanner. “The depth of character, kindness, and insight among my peers and faculty challenged me to reflect deeply on who I am—and who I want to become as a leader.”

The Adler Fellowship is operated by Florida Atlantic University’s Madden Center for Value Creation in partnership with the Charles Koch Foundation. The program is highly selective and designed for MBA students, Executive MBA students, and alumni who aspire to integrate leadership excellence with a lifelong pursuit of meaning and positive impact.

Participants move into the next phase of the Fellowship: a structured summer practice lab running June 2 to August 8, designed to integrate leadership practices into their professional internships or roles. Together, the intensive and summer curriculum equip Fellows to lead with purpose, contribute to human flourishing, and foster cultures of excellence within their organizations.

About the Mortimer J. Adler Fellowship in Transformational Leadership
The Mortimer J. Adler Fellowship develops business leaders who understand that true leadership flows from virtuous character and purposeful action. Inspired by Adler’s legacy of making classical wisdom practical and accessible, the Fellowship provides a framework for personal growth, professional excellence, and meaningful impact. Fellows become part of a lifelong network of peers committed to human flourishing through principled leadership. For more information, please visit https://www.tblfellowship.com/.

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