CCU is excited to introduce the CCU Leadership Award, a prestigious annual honor recognizing one outstanding junior or senior in the College of Undergraduate Studies who exemplifies the University’s core values of Christian leadership, character, and service. Each School within CCU's College of Undergraduate Studies and the Athletic Department can nominate a candidate, with three finalists being selected from a group of 8-10 nominations.
The inaugural recipient will be recognized at CCU’s May 2025 Commencement Ceremony and will receive a $25,000 cash award in honor of their impact as CCU’s most exemplary student leader.
The Leadership Award is made possible through a $1 million-plus endowment being established through the leadership and generosity of Hal Krause and a group of additional donors to ensure the award's continuation for generations to come.
"True leadership is not about seeking recognition, but about influencing lives for Christ. This award will serve as a reminder that Christian leadership is a lifelong calling, and I pray it encourages generations of CCU students to lead with boldness and integrity.- Hal Krause
Each year, in addition to the $25,000 cash award, the recipient’s name will be engraved on a four-sided, 4-foot granite pedestal permanently displayed on CCU’s campus, establishing a lasting legacy of faith-driven leadership.
The selected student will also receive an 8-inch replica of the campus award as a personal keepsake.
How can I qualify for this award?
Any CCU junior or senior in good standing within the College of Undergraduate Studies who exemplifies excellence in Christian leadership may be nominated by any CUS dean, as well as the athletic director. The Leadership Award is based on merit alone and cannot be received twice by the same student.
How are candidates selected?
Each School within CCU's College of Undergraduate Studies and the Athletic Department nominates one candidate. The leadership candidates will be narrowed to a list of three finalists by a vote of the University deans, the president, and the chair of the Board. The Final Selection Committee decides on the recipient, who must be present at Commencement to receive the award.
The Leadership Award, backed by a $1 million endowment, ensures that a $25,000 cash prize will be awarded annually. No other Christian university currently offers a leadership award of this kind, making this initiative a defining feature of CCU’s commitment to developing Christian leaders. FirstBank generously contributed $25,000 to fund the inaugural year of the CCU Leadership Award, which will be presented at CCU’s College of Undergraduate Studies Commencement in May 2025.
In alignment with its dedication to preparing and equipping the next generation of Christian leaders, CCU is designing a mandatory leadership course for all new students, further reinforcing its mission to prepare world changers for Christ.
