The Harry T. Wilks Leadership Institute was founded thanks to a gift by retired Hamilton attorney and businessman Harry T. Wilks, who donated $5 million to establish a nationally recognized leadership institute at Miami University.

Harry T. Wilks, a well-known philanthropist and Miami alumnus, has received national attention as the founder of Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and Museum.  Whether planning a sculpture park or making a business decision, Wilks has a reputation for thinking big. And he and Miami officials agree that his gift will have a major impact.

“Harvard is known for its law school, Johns Hopkins for medical research. I want Miami and Oxford to be the place that people think of when leadership development is mentioned,” says Wilks.

The need for such a curriculum is becoming increasingly obvious, according to Wilks.  He is troubled by the erosion of public trust and confidence in leaders at every level, whether in government, business, religious institutions, unions or accounting and the other professions.

Another trend that concerns him is the lack of role models for young people. Decision making — be it in government, business or the classroom — should be based on “enduring principles,” he says.

His goal is for the Harry T. Wilks Leadership Institute to foster “ethical leadership” among all Miami students, not just a select few.  “We’re entering a global era where decisions by leaders from all countries will increasingly impact us here in the United States,” says Wilks. “So it’s more important than ever that leaders — worldwide to local — be prepared for their responsibilities.”