About US

LEARN

The journey of leadership and service begins with learning. At the UF Brown Center for Leadership and Service, we believe that effective leaders are informed and knowledgeable. Our programs are designed to provide you with the skills, insights, and understanding needed to navigate complex challenges.

ACT

Learning is only the first step. True leadership and service is demonstrated through action. The UF Brown Center for Leadership and Service encourages you to take initiative and apply what you've learned to real-world scenarios. Whether through community service, campus involvement, or innovative projects, we support your efforts to make a tangible difference.

IMPACT

The ultimate goal of leadership and service is to make a lasting impact. At the UF Brown Center for Leadership and Service, we aim to empower you to create significant and sustainable change. By focusing on impact, you can leave a legacy of improvement and progress, enriching both your community and the broader world.

This framework represents the Brown Center for Leadership & Service’s core theoretical approach:

Kolb’s Theory of Experiential Learning - (Active Experimentation, Concrete Experience, Reflective Observation, Abstract Conceptualization)

Leadership Identity Development (LID) Model - (Leadership Identity: Awareness, Exploration/Engagement, Leader Identified, Leadership Differentiated, Generativity, Integration/Synthesis)

Problem-Based Service Learning - (Problem, Knowledge, Research, Analysis, Reflection, Share Solutions, Evaluation)

Our Core Values:

• Continuous Learning (Kolb, 1984)
• Leadership Development (LeaderShape Institute, 2015)
• Community Involvement (Komives, Wagner, & Associate, 2009)
• Self-Discovery (Komives, Wagner, & Associate, 2009)
• Resilience (Shankman, Allen, Haber-Curran, 2015)
• Positive Impact (Komives, Wagner, & Associate, 2009)

Our Core Outcomes:

• Enhanced Leadership Skills
• Academic Integration
• Community-Driven Understanding
• Professional Preparedness
• Ability to Address Community Needs
• Discovery of Personal Ethos

Our Leadership & Service Philosophy:
Leadership is a continual journey and not just aligned with a position or title, but by the ability to inspire, empower, and serve others. Everyone has the ability to lead, but leadership takes intentionality to cultivate. Reflection of one’s own experiences and social issues pave the way forward toward transformational change which is essential to leadership. We view leadership as a collaborative and adaptive process that requires active listening, continuous learning, and a willingness to embrace different perspectives and experiences.

Service is more than just a task or obligation; it is a fundamental commitment to helping people. Our philosophy of service is rooted in the belief that every individual has the power to take action and make a positive impact on the lives of others and contribute to the greater good. At the core of our philosophy is the recognition of the interconnectedness of all members of society. We believe that by engaging in acts of service, we not only address immediate needs but also foster a sense of unity and empowerment within our communities. We view community service as a collaborative endeavor that requires active engagement, cooperation, and dialogue among individuals, organizations, and institutions.

People engaged in leadership and service at the University of Florida are collectively known as Gators for Good.