Texas A&M’s Hollingsworth Center Partners With National Medal Of Honor Institute

Texas A&M’s Corps of Cadets’ Hollingsworth Center for Ethical Leadership has entered into a partnership with the National Medal of Honor Griffin Institute. The natural alignment of the two organizations centers around a shared values system. 

The Corps of Cadets has served as Texas A&M’s premier leadership development program for over 145 years. Leveraging a military-structured cultural model allows for the holistic development of each individual in the Corps, regardless of their plans for the future. In fact, 60% of graduating cadets choose to pursue careers within the public, private or nonprofit sectors.

Within the Corps experience, the Hollingsworth Center for Ethical Leadership is a leadership and character “Center of Excellence” for students and staff. The Hollingsworth Center offers a comprehensive collection of programs that combine the formal study of leadership concepts with the intentional application and practice of leadership principles.

The National Medal of Honor Griffin Institute seeks to create a community built on character, leadership and impact by providing experiential leadership programs modeled after the valor and values of Medal of Honor recipients. 

“In our mission to inspire and educate, partnering with the esteemed Hollingsworth Center for Ethical Leadership is a significant milestone,” said Chris Cassidy, president and CEO of the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation. 

“These cadets will be among the future leaders of our nation. Introducing them to the incredible stories of our Medal of Honor recipients does more than add to their academic education. It helps establish a foundation of strong character for these students, allowing them to gain an understanding of what true leadership and service entails.”

Through this partnership, cadets will learn more about Medal of Honor recipients and how their displayed characteristics of leadership can be applied in every aspect of life, from the battlefield to the board room. Cadets will have the opportunity to earn a certificate in applied leadership studies endorsed by the Griffin Institute upon their completion of the Hollingsworth program.

“The Hollingsworth Center is deeply honored to partner with the National Medal of Honor Griffin Institute. Our mission of developing leaders of character aligns perfectly with the institute’s mission of inspiring Americans to reach their true character and leadership potential. It’s a perfect match. Most of our non-commissioning graduates will never find themselves on a combat battlefield, but they can all selflessly serve others and live courageous lives of character in whatever career field they enter,” said Dr. Dave Keller, director of the Hollingsworth Center. 

As the Corps of Cadets continues on its plan to grow to 3,000 members, partnerships such as that with the Griffin Institute help elevate the cadet experience. With the partnership in its beginning stages, Corps of Cadets officials are excited for the possibilities that it will bring to the organization.

“With eight former students among its recipients, Texas A&M has a long and proud connection to the National Medal of Honor. This new partnership builds on that connection by allowing our students to learn about the legacies of Medal recipients and use their knowledge to lead at the next level. What our cadets will learn through this partnership will serve them well as they pursue careers in the private and public sectors. Many of the characteristics that Medal recipients possessed can be emulated in our day-to-day interactions, and this partnership will serve as a springboard for just that,” said Brig. Gen. Patrick Michaelis ’93, commandant of the Corps of Cadets.