At the Mortimer J. Adler Fellowship, we believe that meaningful business leadership flows from the development of character and the pursuit of excellence. In today's rapidly changing business environment, many emerging leaders seek to make a positive impact but struggle to find a coherent framework for achieving this goal. Our program addresses this challenge by providing future business leaders with both the philosophical foundations and practical tools needed to create lasting value for their organizations and society.
Our approach draws inspiration from Mortimer J. Adler's profound legacy of making transformative ideas accessible and practical. As a philosopher, educator, and editor of the Great Books of the Western World, Adler demonstrated how timeless wisdom could illuminate contemporary challenges. His interpretation of classical philosophy, particularly its insights into human excellence and practical wisdom, forms the cornerstone of our program's unique methodology.
What distinguishes our program is its emphasis on character development through mindful practice. Fellows learn to bridge philosophical understanding with practical leadership through a systematic approach to self-reflection and action. This transformation occurs within a supportive community of peers who share a commitment to excellence and meaningful impact. The result is a growing network of business leaders equipped to foster human flourishing through their professional roles.
The Mortimer J. Adler Fellowship is made possible through the generous support of the Charles Koch Foundation, the College of Business and the Madden Center for Value Creation at Florida Atlantic University, and is operated in partnership with Florida Atlantic University's Executive Education Unit. Together, we are building a community of business leaders committed to creating lasting positive change through the pursuit of excellence and service to others.
Meet the Team
Dr. Michael Ryall
Adler Fellowship Director
Dr. Ryall is Harry T. Mangurian Professor of Management at Florida Atlantic University and Professor Emeritus at the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management. His research spans strategic management, business ethics, and organizational theory, with a particular focus on human learning and value creation in business.
Mark A. Beck
Program Instructor
Mark A. Beck brings over three decades of executive leadership experience to the Adler Fellowship, grounded in his conviction that business leadership is a means to lift and serve others. He has led three start-ups, five major turnarounds, and over 50 acquisitions, and as President and CEO of JELD-WEN, guided the company through a highly successful IPO.
Dr. Blaine Fowers
Program Instructor
Blaine Fowers, Ph.D. is Professor of Counseling Psychology at the University of Miami. He and his research team conduct theoretical and empirical investigations of virtue and flourishing.
Dr. Joshua Harris
Program Instructor
Dr. Harris is an Associate Professor of Philosophy at King's University where he teaches core philosophy classes (Logic and Metaphysics), some specialty courses (Philosophy of the Environment and Philosophy of the Sciences), and courses in history of philosophy. Dr. Harris' published work covers topics and questions in medieval philosophy, metaphysics, and the philosophy of social science.
Dr. Jeremy Wilkins
Program Instructor
Dr. Wilkins is Associate Professor in the Theology Department at Boston College, and Director of the Lonergan Institute. He regularly teaches many classic texts of the western philosophical and theological traditions, and advanced seminars in those disciplines. He is especially interested in questions of human knowing, flourishing, and the dynamics of history.
Karina Guenin
Adler Fellowship Program Coordinator
Karina works with the Executive Education department at Florida Atlantic. She is a Degree Audit and Graduation Specialist, supporting students throughout their journey toward graduation. She assists with graduation inquiries and oversees graduating student records.
Adele Mancuso
Adler Fellowship Program Coordinator
Adele is Florida Atlantic Program Coordinator, working within the Executive Education Department for the past 9 years. In her role, she is responsible for the implementation of department and University policies and procedures. She brings valuable event planning experience, specializing in organizing and managing events.