Over Two Decades of Inspired Global Change Through Scholarship
Founded in 2000, the M. A. and Lila Self Leadership Academy at Illinois Institute of Technology is an undergraduate education initiative that trains students to be capable leaders and empowers them to inspire the same in others. Sponsored through generous gifts from M. A. (Al) and Lila Self and John Mitchell, the academy works to:
- Create and implement an effective leadership-development program for all undergraduate students at Illinois Tech
- Promote a culture of leadership and innovation across the Illinois Tech community
- Identify, develop, and support students with exceptional leadership potential
- Evaluate leadership development outcomes at the individual and program levels 
University Regent Al Self and his wife, Lila, founded Illinois Tech’s Leadership Academy in 2000 because they believed in the importance of developing leadership skills in undergraduate students. They also believed that the program would build a strong sense of community among all Illinois Tech undergraduates, faculty, and staff. The Selfs provided the founding gift to the Leadership Academy, and it continues to annually provide 30 students with full tuition for up to four years of undergraduate study at Illinois Tech. With more than two decades in existence, the Leadership Academy has become a hallmark of the university’s excellence. Alumni of the program continue to make the university proud, becoming leaders in their professions and communities.
The Selfs have given more than $15 million to Illinois Tech over the years, establishing a remarkably generous legacy at their adopted alma mater. They care so deeply about leadership development that they have also supported a similar program at their own alma mater, the University of Kansas. The Selfs have said that they were motivated to give to leadership programs because they hope to make a difference in the lives of dedicated and motivated students. The Selfs recognized that when students are empowered with leadership skills, they will ultimately help make a difference in the world. Over the years, the Selfs remained wonderful friends and advisers to the Leadership Academy program, and the university is incredibly indebted to them for their generosity and vision.
Our Leadership Philosophy
In the M. A. and Lila Self Leadership Academy, we practice and teach two specific leadership styles:
Servant leadership
Servant leaders prioritize the well-being and development of their followers. They lead by serving others, focusing on empathy, humility, and a commitment to the growth of individuals. Servant leadership resonates with the values of personal development and community service often emphasized in college settings. It encourages students to lead with compassion, contributing to a positive and supportive campus culture.
Authentic
Authentic leadership consists of people who stay true to themselves and follow a self-guided moral and ethical code. These morals and ethics may be shifted or changed as time goes on but are ultimately dictated by the person’s beliefs and experiences. They are critical of situations and understand people's individual strengths and weaknesses. Typically, they aim to have transparent communication in group settings while staying true to themselves and honorable to other people.