Sanger Leadership Center Celebrates 10 Years of Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders

Ann Arbor, MI – February 2025 – On a crisp winter morning, hundreds of determined University of Michigan students file into the Jack Roth Club at Michigan Stadium. They’ve spent weeks looking forward to the annual Leadership Crisis Challenge, where they’ll step into a high-stakes simulation to navigate a complex corporate dilemma. Nervous energy hums as participants assume the roles of C-suite executives and crisis managers. This is not just another assignment—this is where the acceleration of leadership education takes place.

A student approaches the press conference stage at the 2023 Leadership Crisis Challenge

A student approaches the press conference stage at the 2023 Crisis Challenge

A team of students answer questions from the media at the 2015 Leadership Crisis Challenge

Students answer questions from the media at the 2015 Crisis Challenge

For the past decade, moments like these have defined the Sanger Leadership Center. Founded in 2015 at the Stephen M. Ross School of Business with a vision to empower students to lead with purpose, Sanger has facilitated more than 71,000 student interactions through programs that encourage participants to explore their potential, embrace challenges, and emerge as confident, thoughtful leaders.

Jessica Bae (BBA/BA ’26), a current undergraduate student, reflects on her own journey:

“Since coming to Michigan, I’ve been on a journey to discover my passions and better understand who I am. Sanger has given me a structured path to grow as a leader. As a first-year from Virginia, the Ross Leaders Academy, for example, has been the most meaningful organization I’ve joined so far, helping me feel more at home by connecting with people from all different backgrounds.”

Building a Legacy of Leadership

It all began with a generous gift from Michigan Ross alumnus Stephen W. Sanger (MBA ’70) and his wife, Karen. They envisioned a space where bold ideas, evidence-based research, and innovative action-based learning would prepare students for the complexities of the modern world. Since its founding, the Sanger Leadership Center has introduced flagship programs like the Leadership Crisis Challenge and the Ross Leaders Academy, creating opportunities for students to step outside their comfort zones.

For graduate student Aman Shrimal (WMBA ’24), these programs have been empowering:

“Participating in the programs offered by the Sanger Leadership Center has been an incredible journey of personal and professional growth. From the Crisis Challenge to Leadership Dialogues, each experience has been transformative. Overall, these programs have helped me become a more well-rounded and confident leader, capable of leading with purpose and making a positive impact in my organization and community.”

Members of the 2015–2016 Ross Leaders Academy cohort

In 2022, the Sanger Advisory Board was launched to amplify the Center’s impact. Composed of visionary leaders from a variety of industries, the Board contributes through strategic guidance, fundraising, and mentorship, ensuring that Sanger’s mission continues to thrive.

Managing Director Jeff Domagala reflects on this pivotal milestone:

“We are incredibly proud to celebrate the Center’s first decade of empowering leaders. With the vision of Steve and Karen Sanger, the dedication of our partners, and the incredible passion of our students, we have built a community that inspires purposeful leadership. The next chapter promises even greater impact as we continue this mission.”

Members of the 2023-2024 Sanger Advisory Board

Immersive Experiences That Shape the Future

Step into a Story Lab Showcase, and you’ll see students standing on stage, hearts racing as they display their storytelling skills in front of peers and mentors. Or imagine the electrifying moment a “CEO” steps to the microphone in the final minutes of the Crisis Challenge to address a panel of real journalists. These experiences aren’t just about honing skills—they’re about fostering confidence, empathy, and a deep understanding of leadership’s nuances.

A team presents at the 2024 Leadership Crisis Challenge press conference

A team presents at the 2024 Crisis Challenge

A student addresses the crowd at the 2020 Story Lab Showcase

A student on stage at the 2020 Story Lab Showcase

Students cheer for their classmate presenting at at the 2022 Story Lab Showcase

Students cheer at the 2022 Story Lab Showcase

Michelle Austin, director of programming, captures this forward-thinking approach;

“We are excited to expand programming to meet the evolving needs of students, equipping them with the adaptability to lead in an ever-changing world. Our action-based programs allow students to practice their leadership skills so that they can learn by doing.”

Sanger’s growing program offerings reflect a commitment to accelerating student leadership development and building a leadership framework that spans disciplines, cultures, and industries.

Looking to the Future with 2030 Vision

Sanger is not just celebrating its first decade—it’s looking to the future with great ambitions. By 2030, the Center aims to make the word “leadership” synonymous with Michigan Ross. This goal will be achieved by:

Providing every student with a deeply personalized leadership education.
Offering the most innovative, action-based programs.
Producing research and ideas to change the way people lead for the better.

“At Sanger, we believe anybody has the capacity to develop their leadership skills,” says Dr. Lindy Greer, faculty director and professor of management and organizations. “We are dedicated to advancing leadership research and preparing the next generation of leaders to shape a better world.”

Establishing a Community of Support for the Next Decade of Leaders

The Sanger Leadership Center invites alumni, donors, and industry leaders to join this journey of leadership development. Opportunities to engage include:

Sponsoring a Program: Partner with Sanger to provide real-world leadership insights through networking and mentoring opportunities.
Engaging with U-M Students: Participate in programs like the Leadership Crisis Challenge or Leadership Dialogues speaker series to inspire the next generation of leaders.
Supporting Future Leaders: Donations help expand Sanger’s impact, empowering more students to lead with purpose. Visit bit.ly/give2sanger to make a secure online gift.

To learn more about the Sanger Leadership Center and get involved, visit sanger.umich.edu or email rossleaders@umich.edu.

About the Sanger Leadership Center

The Sanger Leadership Center at the Stephen M. Ross School of Business democratizes the leadership development process by providing students, alumni, and external affiliates with the bold ideas, transformative experiences, and connected communities needed to self-guide and accelerate leadership development.