UM curators approve establishment, naming of David Novak Leadership Institute

In a unanimous vote, the University of Missouri curators voted to establish and name the David Novak Leadership Institute that will be a part of Mizzou’s journalism school.

Novak is the former chairman and CEO of Yum Brands and is a Mizzou alumnus.

“This means we are able to support one of the top journalism programs in the country and to support the scholarship for students at the undergraduate and graduate level,” system President Mun Choi said. “It will enable our faculty members to pursue research and translate that research that benefits the communities.”

It’s not clear how much the donation will be but Choi said it would be a “multimillion-dollar” donation.

“It is a major gift for the university and we’re very pleased to accept this gift because we know it’s going to benefit our students faculty and community,” Choi said.

According to the University, the institute will be the “world’s first insight-based leadership program rooted in the principles of strategic communication.” It’s goal is to prepare “avid, lifelong learners to become leaders who make meaningful impact within the organizations and communities they serve.”

There have been no hires made for the institute, though some are planned and will be done by faculty members.

The location for the institute will be in Lee Hills Hall.