In April 2022, Billy J. ‘96 and Brenda Watterson generously donated $6 million to University of Findlay—
the largest gift in University history—for the development of the Watterson Center for Ethical Leadership. The Wattersons had a vision that University of Findlay graduates can be the ethical leaders the world needs now, leaders whose positive impact has a global reach.
The Watterson Center for Ethical Leadership is creating this future by building on University of Findlay’s strong past. Throughout its history, University of Findlay’s mission promise has been an education that blends the liberal arts and professional education within an ethical context to prepare students for lives of productive service.
Today, University of Findlay continues that mission by equipping students for meaningful lives and productive careers and by remaining committed to the development of our learners as whole persons--knowledgeable, creative, ethical, and compassionate leaders in a global environment.
With its mission to inspire ethical leaders who will impact their community, the Watterson Center for Ethical Leadership leans into and. Sciences and humanities; professional and liberal arts, founded in Christian faith and welcoming to all.
We model civil discourse as we put into action the Center’s four virtues: integrity, humility, courage, and compassion.
We aim to embed ethical leadership development into our campus culture as well as into our local and global communities. In doing so, the Center bring to life Billy and Brenda Watterson’s vision of University of Findlay graduates positively impacting the world.
Mission and Virtues
The mission of the Watterson Center for Ethical Leadership is to inspire ethical leaders who will impact their world. In pursuing its mission, the Center is guided by its four virtues. Courage – to take ethical action even when it’s difficult, unpopular, or undesirable. Compassion – to act with grace toward others and self Integrity – to act from an ethical foundation Humility – to request and receive help, love, and forgiveness
What We Do
Ohio Regional High School Ethics Bowl
The Watterson Center for Ethical Leadership is a proud sponsor of the Ohio Regional High School Ethics Bowl. For more than a decade, University of Findlay has hosted this event, a qualifying Regional Competition of the Parr Center’s National High School Ethics Bowl program.
The Ohio Regional makes use of the same format, rules, and regulations as the National Ethics Bowl. After the annual Regional Competition (usually in January) our Ohio Regional winner advances to the NHSEB Regional Divisional Playoffs hosted by the Parr Center via NHSEBOne. Winners of Divisional Matches will advance to the NHSEB National Championship held in Chapel Hill each April.
For more information on the NHSEB, or for assistance starting a team at your school, please contact us at
[email protected].
Watterson Scholars Program
The Watterson Scholars program is a four-year, transdisciplinary undergraduate initiative developed through collaboration among University of Findlay and key community partners. Watterson Scholars is co-curricular cohort program in which learners pursue their intended field of study while following an ethical leadership pathway to complete their required general education requirements. Scholars graduate with a degree in their field of study and a minor in ethical leadership.
With its mission to develop ethical leaders equipped to discern and following their unique vocation in service to others, the Watterson Scholars program provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity for a select cohort of undergraduates to participate in vocational exploration, character development, ethical leadership formation, community and civic engagement, advocacy, problem solving, team building, reflection, and reciprocity.
Program highlights include:
- immersive community engagement experiences;
- a transdisciplinary approach to general education;
- a collegiate leadership academy to educate students on and provide opportunities to practice civic engagement and advocacy;
- travel experiences designed to show civic engagement and advocacy in action;
-
a series of retreats designed to foster vocational discernment;
- a culminating undergraduate research project that enables students to address a “wicked problem” confronting Findlay-Hancock County.
The Watterson Scholars Program is underwritten by a generous
NetVUE (Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education) Vocation Across the Academy Grant from the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC). NetVUE is a nationwide network of colleges and universities formed to support and enrich vocational exploration and discernment among undergraduate students. Financial support of NetVUE comes from a combination of membership dues and the generosity of Lilly Endowment Inc.
The first Watterson Scholars cohort will be accepted Fall 2026. For more information, contact
[email protected].