Foundation Establishes Chair in Religion and Servant Leadership

Pieper Chair, David Scott

The Suzanne and Richard Pieper Family Foundation has funded a new Chair in Religion and Servant Leadership at Ripon College. The foundation has established servant leadership chairs at several Wisconsin colleges and universities. The first holder of Ripon College’s Pieper Chair is David William Scott of the Religion Department.

“Universities are the likely places where future leaders in all sectors of our society will be nurtured,” says Richard R. Pieper Sr. “These leaders will form our state and nation for good and/or ill. I believe Wisconsin universities, Ripon at the top of the list, have had a great impact on the daily life of its citizens. I like to think global and act local. I have faith in Wisconsin and its young people.”

The foundation supports servant leadership, he says, because he believes in human business organizations. “Servant Leadership offers paths to alleviate the winner-take-all style we too often see in American management. Servant leadership incorporates virtues, principles and ideals so leaders in all types of organizations can make a positive contribution in the world community,” he says.

Our foundation hopes to change the paradigm of the leader who asks ‘What have you done for me lately?’ My ideal leader serves others’ needs. The most effective organizations are those whose leaders exhibit a humble attitude, listen to customers, employees and vendors to deliver the most effective product or service. Servant leaders have foresight and integrity. They are responsible and respectful in all they do.”

Scott, the inaugural recipient of the chair, says, “This exciting new position helps the College offer new initiatives in community engagement that increase our students’ chances to exercise servant leadership,” Scott says. “It also allows the religion department to offer new courses that include more opportunities for students to learn about Eastern religions and the interaction of religion with various cultural and political movements.”

Ripon College’s current capital campaign, Imagine Tomorrow, aims to increase support for faculty positions and development. To learn more about the campaign, visit the Imagine Tomorrow website.