The Department of Policy, Organizational and Leadership Studies (POLS) prepares graduates for leadership roles in academic, organizational and community settings. POLS recognizes the complexity of schools and communities, and seeks to build/foster leaders and researchers that promote equity and access for all.

We prepare and support leaders and learners who will analyze, develop, and sustain equitable policies and practices in schools and organizations. We prepare and support leaders who understand and value the strengths of urban communities, understand the importance of applied research, and honor the multiple contexts of schools, education and learners. We prepare and support leaders who understand how to engage the community and have the ability to lead and manage organizational change. We prepare and support leaders who focus on equity and who demonstrate an appreciation and integration of diverse perspectives.

Our department, as a learning community, is composed of faculty with diverse perspectives that are mutually supportive scholars and practitioners with a range of areas of scholarly expertise and experiences working in and with organizations, schools, nonprofit organizations and government entities.