About the Leonhard Center
History
The Leonhard Center for Enhancement of Engineering Education was established in 1990 by an endowment from William and Wyllis Leonhard. The Center strives to enable the key changes that are required to maintain a world-class engineering education at Penn State.
Leonhard Center initiatives focus on the enhancement of courses and curricula as well as assessment of the effectiveness of innovations. It has supported projects in all departments within the College. Its partnerships extend to the College of the Liberal Arts through the Rock Ethics Institute, the Smeal College of Business, and the College of Education.
Vision and Mission
- Vision: The Leonhard Center will be an invaluable resource for the College of Engineering at Penn State and a leader in engineering education worldwide.
- Mission: Catalyze and support innovative teaching, learning, and assessment to ensure that Penn State delivers world-class engineering education. Develop and disseminate innovative approaches to address challenges faced by engineering undergraduates, graduate students, staff, and faculty.
Values
- Excellence: We motivate our partners and each other to achieve the highest levels of performance.
- Innovation: We develop and support novel ideas and approaches that address educational challenges faced by students, faculty, and staff.
- Collaboration: We build partnerships with students, faculty, and staff across disciplinary and administrative boundaries at Penn State and at other institutions.
- Professionalism: We respect others, conduct ourselves with integrity, honor our commitments, and create an inclusive, collegial environment.
- Exuberance*: We pride ourselves on creating an energetic, encouraging, and enjoyable environment to foster innovation and collaboration. *“joyously unrestrained and enthusiastic” Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary
