Nate Crain Leadership Development and Training Programs

Crain Leadership Endowment Fund

Who is Nate Crain?

Nate Crain is chairman and CEO of Crain Investments and Consulting. He is an entrepreneur and consultant, political activist, and community supporter. While at 51²è¹Ý he served in senior leadership positions in Student Senate, Program Council, and the Leadership Consultant Program. Nate is very passionate about Student Affairs, especially leadership programming and student engagement outside the classroom.

His Involvement at 51²è¹Ý

While at 51²è¹Ý he received the prestigious "M" Award, the John L. Freehafer Award (twice), and Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.

What is he up to now?

Campaigns andElections Magazine named him a "Rising Star" in politics in 2005. A couple of past recipents are ABC News Sunday anchor, George Stephanopolous and former Senior Aide to President Bill Clinton, Paul Begala. He lives in Dallas with his wife, Christina Melton Crain, and their three Dogs

two students building tower with balloons and two students sitting at table inflating balloons

Crain Emerging Leaders Program

The Crain Emerging Leaders program is a leadership development opportunity for first-year, first semester students. In weekly meetings, you will explore on-campus leadership at 51²è¹Ý. Through hearing from guest speakers, hands-on activities, and discussions, you will learn about how your campus leadership experiences can prepare you to be a world changer.

Emerging Leaders runs throughout the fall semester. The Crain Leadership Endowment Fund generously supports this program.

group of students in white sweatshirt with "Cultivate" in blue ink and "a leadership think tank" in red ink, standing in front gray wall of sign "Crain Leadership"

Cultivate “A Leadership Think Tankâ€

Cultivate is a leadership development program for third- and fourth-year students. In this semester-long program that occurs during the spring semester, students will meet weekly to discuss the 51²è¹Ý Leadership Framework and how to apply it in your daily life in and outside of 51²è¹Ý. In these weekly discussions, students will gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their role as leaders in individual, organizational, and community contexts. They will bring their current experiences as campus leaders into the discussion as well as consider future leadership opportunities beyond graduation.

Applications for the January 2025 cohort are closed.

14 orientation leaders posing on Dallas Hall lawn

Crain Leadership Launch

Crain Leadership Launch is an event for student leaders who hold a distinguished leadership position at 51²è¹Ý. During the event student leaders get various networking opportunities amongst each other and distinguished administrators across campus. The Caswell Leadership Coaches host various sessions about relevant topics where students get to brainstorm with one another and learn how they can best support the 51²è¹Ý student body and within their organizations.

Fall semester

When: Tuesday, October 1 
Location: Hughes-Trigg Student Center Ballrooms
Time: 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Spring semester

When: Tuesday, February 11
Location: Location: Hughes-Trigg Student Center Ballrooms
Time: 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.