Sherman, Texas -- Austin College President Steven O’Day and Board of Trustees Chair Scott Austin ’83 presented the 2026 Posey Leadership Award to Jeffrey Rosen, CEO Emeritus of the National Constitution Center, Thursday, April 2.
Wynne Chapel was bustling with students, faculty, staff, and friends of ’RooNation as Josie Cernero ’27 introduced the 2026 Posey Leadership Awardee. “Jeffrey Rosen reinforces that leadership is not about accumulating power, but about cultivating the conditions in which others can flourish,” said Cernero.
Rosen then took the stage, delivering an address comparing the political philosophies of Hamilton and Jefferson and stressing the need for thoughtful, informed civic engagement. “Here's a crucial point of order, even though justices and presidents have sometimes betrayed their principles—at least Hamilton and Jefferson gave them principles to betray,” said Rosen. “It's principles that are the one thing that stands between us and violence.”
Following the presentation of the 2026 Posey Leadership Award to Rosen, O’Day shared his thoughts with the audience gathered in Wynne Chapel. “Whether you realize it or not, today, this talk is why you came to Austin College,” O’Day said to the students in the crowd. “This is liberal arts in practice. This is sitting down and thinking deeply about connecting the dots of things that may seem unrelated to each other, and yet they are. And to have Jeff Rosen come to our campus over the course of the year, to have these conversations that culminate in today's call. This is the liberal arts. This is Austin College.”
The Austin College Posey Leadership Award was established in 2005 by Lee and Sally Posey as the Austin College Leadership Award, designed to recognize an outstanding individual who has applied leadership talents and made a positive impact on society locally, nationally, or internationally. It recognizes those who demonstrate principles of servant leadership by taking a courageous stand on a public policy issue that advances a humanitarian or educational purpose; serving the youth of a state, nation, or international community to improve the quality of health, educational or community services; or creative opportunities for young people that help them enhance their educational experience and move up to a new level of service. This award and its $100,000 prize were awarded for the first time in March 2006 to Wendy Coop. Upon Lee Posey’s death in 2008, the award took on the Posey name and since 2008 has been the Austin College Posey Leadership Ward. The award replaced the Chair of Excellence in International Leadership that was part of the Leadership Institute upon its founding. Starting in 2022, the honoree serves as the Posey Leader-in-Residence during the academic year of the award.
The Posey Leadership Institute was founded in 1995 by then-president Oscar Page. The Institute focuses on the exploration of theories and practices of leadership as well as experiential learning through internships, community mentors, service, and outreach. The first students enrolled in fall 1995. In 2002, the Posey name was added based upon substantial gifts to endow the program from Lee and Sally Posey. Originally, 15 freshmen per year were admitted with a substantial scholarship. The Institute now focuses more on programming for all students and the minor in leadership studies.
Austin College, a private national liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas, proudly celebrates 150 years in the Texoma region in 2026. Since establishing its home in Sherman in 1876, the College has formed deep and lasting partnerships with the community—collaborations that continue to enrich both campus life and the broader region. The residential student body of approximately 1,300 students and an expert faculty of more than 100 educators allow an 11:1 student-faculty ratio and personalized attention. Related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA), Austin College cultivates an inclusive atmosphere that supports students’ faith journeys regardless of religious tradition. Known for excellence in academic preparation, pre-professional foundations, and hands-on learning, Austin College is one of 44 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s Colleges That Change Lives. Founded in 1849, it is the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under its original name and charter.
