About Us
Founded in 1991, the non-partisan McConnell Center at the University of Louisville seeks to identify, recruit and nurture Kentucky's next generation of great leaders. Our core principles – leadership, scholarship and service – guide us as we:
- Prepare top undergraduate students to become future leaders;
- Offer civic education programs for teachers, students and the public; and
- Conduct strategic leadership development for the US Army.
U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell, a 1964 university graduate, along with UofL officials, founded the Center based on his belief that "Kentucky's future depends on inspiring talented, motivated leaders."
Gary L. Gregg, II, PhD, directs the McConnell Center.
The McConnell Center is not affiliated with any political party and works hard to maintain its outstanding reputation for nonpartisan educational opportunities. The Center does not make admissions decisions based on applicants' party affiliation.
Our Programs
McConnell Scholars Program
The McConnell Scholars Program is a prestigious leadership and scholarship program at the University of Louisville open to graduating Kentucky high school seniors with a strong demonstrated record of leadership, scholarship and service.
Civic Education Program
The McConnell Center began the nonprofit, nonpartisan Civic Education Program in 2005 to help Kentucky citizens develop a better understanding of the U.S. Constitution and American history and to encourage open and free discussion of perennial concerns that inform contemporary politics.
Military Education Program
The McConnell Center has hosted the Strategic Broadening Seminar for the U.S. Army since 2014.
U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell and Secretary Elaine L. Chao Archives
The University of Louisville is proud to preserve the U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell and Elaine L. Chao Archives which, when open for research, will offer a wide range of documentary evidence and research value for a large array of users, beyond scholars of history and political science.
