Ethical Leadership: The Distinctive Edge of Claremont Lincoln University

“Good ethics is good business, and ethics is its own reward.”
- David C. Lincoln (1925 – 2018), Claremont Lincoln University's Late Founder and Benefactor

In an era where ethical dilemmas frequently challenge our social and professional landscapes, leadership demands not just skill and knowledge, but a profound commitment to ethics. Claremont Lincoln University (CLU) champions this approach, drawing on the wisdom of its late founder and benefactor, David C. Lincoln. His belief that “Good ethics is good business, and ethics is its own reward” serves as a foundational pillar for the university’s curriculum, particularly through the transformative Claremont Core®. This unique educational approach not only prepares students to lead effectively but to do so with a moral compass that guides their decisions and actions.

At CLU, the Claremont Core® is not an academic framework; it is a transformative journey into mindfulness, dialogue, collaboration, and change. Each domain is infused with ethical considerations that challenge students to lead with integrity and respect for diverse viewpoints.

Mindfulness: Ethical leadership begins with self-awareness. This deep personal understanding enables leaders to act with integrity and authenticity, essential qualities for ethical decision-making.

Dialogue: The Claremont Core® teaches students to foster dialogue that advances shared understanding, ensuring that all voices are heard and considered.

Collaboration: CLU trains leaders to create inclusive environments where collaborative strategies are employed to achieve common goals, ensuring that no one is marginalized.

Change: Students learn to implement change that aligns with ethical standards and reflects shared values.

Ethical leadership fosters trust and sustainability, which are critical for long-term success in any venture. CLU’s focus on ethical leadership prepares students to not only thrive in their careers but to do so in a manner that is intrinsically rewarding. This commitment to ethical leadership makes CLU a beacon of hope and a model for future education.

As David C. Lincoln beautifully summed up, the pursuit of ethics is not just about adhering to moral standards—it’s about embracing these values as the core of successful and rewarding leadership.

Claremont Lincoln University is a non-profit university offering affordable online degrees, graduate certificates, and professional development programs. Through a socially conscious education framework, CLU’s mission is to create a new leadership ecosystem through its proprietary Claremont Core®, a distinctive model that encompasses the knowledge needed to become an effective leader of positive change in the workplace or community. CLU is regionally accredited by the highly regarded WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), which ensures institutions meet strict standards and fulfill their missions to serve their students and the public good. Degree programs at CLU focus on healthcare administration, human resources, organizational leadership, management, professional studies, public administration, social impact, and sustainability leadership.

Claremont Lincoln University is the university of the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, a non-profit global thought leader solving social, environmental, and economic challenges. Together, we are mobilizing leaders worldwide to tackle the most pressing climate, land, water, finance, housing, infrastructure, and other issues.