Lake Forest Center for Leadership Joins Excelsior University 

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Excelsior University and the Lake Forest Center for Leadership today announced an agreement that brings the Center for Leadership’s nationally respected leadership development programs into Excelsior’s academic degree pathways. The move is part of a broader agreement with the recently closed Lake Forest Graduate School of Management to create new opportunities for learners while ensuring continuity for leadership development programs, students, alumni, and employer partners. The addition of the Center for Leadership represents an early, defining step in Excelsior’s Constellation℠ strategy, a student-centric ecosystem of institutions, employers, and learning providers designed to expand access and remove barriers to opportunity for working adults. 

The Lake Forest Center for Leadership will continue to operate at Excelsior, preserving the practitioner-led faculty model and curriculum, including its Pathway Programs, skill-building courses, and comprehensive leadership development offerings, that have defined the organization for more than 35 years. As part of Excelsior, Center for Leadership programs will give participants and client organizations a fuller continuum of learning, from leadership development through degree and certificate pathways. 

The Lake Forest Center for Leadership moves to Excelsior University following the June 30 closure of the Lake Forest Graduate School of Management. Excelsior also served as the preferred teach-out partner for students in the Lake Forest Graduate School of Management MBA program, offering a soft landing for learners to complete their studies at Excelsior’s School of Business and continued access to professional development opportunities through the Lake Forest Center for Leadership.  

“Excelsior and the Lake Forest Center for Leadership share a common goal: to provide education and training that is designed for practical application and delivered by those with real-world experience,” said David Schejbal, president of Excelsior University. “By welcoming Lake Forest MBA students to Excelsior and bringing the Center for Leadership into the University, we are continuing its legacy. Together, we expand access to professional and executive leadership development for individuals and organizations.” 

“Leadership requires the courage to look ahead and make decisions that position an organization for what comes next. While we close this chapter of our MBA program with deep respect for our community, the Lake Forest Center for Leadership has joined Excelsior University to focus on practical, timely leadership development and continue serving individuals and organizations with the relevance and impact they need today,” said Carrie Buchwald, former president of Lake Forest Graduate School of Management.  

For Excelsior, the addition of the Center for Leadership expands its portfolio with live, in-person, and hybrid program delivery to complement its established national online model and strengthens its presence in the Chicago-Milwaukee metropolitan area. For the Center for Leadership, joining Excelsior provides a sustainable foundation for future growth and broad reach through the University’s national platform.  

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Media Contact Excelsior University: 
Jason Bonafide, jbonafide@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8446   

About Excelsior University 

Excelsior University is an accredited, not-for-profit online institution focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. Excelsior contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971, Excelsior meets students where they are — academically and geographically — removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity.   

Excelsior is a not-for-profit university with a main campus in Albany, New York, and an educational site in St. Petersburg, Florida. Excelsior University’s academic programs are registered by the New York State Education Department, with additional licensing for Florida-based programs.   

Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education (License No. 12928). Additional information regarding this institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 323099-0400, toll-free number: (888)-224-6684. 

About the Lake Forest Center for Leadership 

The Lake Forest Center for Leadership provides practitioner-led leadership and professional development programs to executives and organizations across the Chicago metropolitan region. Built around a faculty model of experienced C-suite practitioners, the Center for Leadership offers Pathway Programs, skill-building courses, and comprehensive leadership development offerings designed for immediate, practical application.