2026 Fall Online Certificate in Servant Leadership

Online Certificate in Servant Leadership

Dates: September 22 - November 10, 2026

Viterbo University was the first university in the world to offer a Master’s degree in Servant Leadership in 2001, and more than two decades later, we are still the only one in the nation. Today, more than 400 graduates serve their organizations and communities in health care, education, military, religious institutions, large and small businesses, and non-profits.

This seven-week, non-credit certificate features the flexibility to learn at your own pace and on your own schedule. You will have the opportunity to reflect on your experiences as a leader and to develop skills in communication, self-awareness, and ethical decision-making to help build your community and create a servant-led culture within your institution.

Questions? Please contact Nicky Rose, Program Manager, at [email protected] or 608-796-3618.

Schedule

Session 1	Posted Online September 22 (learn at your own pace)	Welcome and Introductions—meet the instructors and fellow cohort members Optional Teams Meeting: 12-1:00pm CST on Sept 22, 2026
Session 2	Posted Online September 29 (learn at your own pace)	“Servant Leadership Theory and Practice”
Session 3	Posted Online October 6 (learn at your own pace)	“Listening and Self-Awareness”
Session 4	Posted Online October 13 (learn at your own pace)	“Leading Change and Transitions” Optional Teams Meeting: 12-1:00pm CST on Oct 13, 2026
Session 5	Posted Online October 20 (learn at your own pace)	“Mission, Purpose, and Vocation”
Session 6	Posted Online October 27 (learn at your own pace)	“Building Community”
Session 7	Posted Online November 3 (learn at your own pace)	“Building a Servant-Led Culture” Optional Teams Meeting: 12-1:00pm CST on Nov 10, 2026

Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive a shareable, digital Certificate in Servant Leadership along with three credits of prior learning that may be applied toward a Master of Servant Leadership or Master of Business Administration.

Meet the Team

Thomas Thibodeau Distinguished Professor of Servant Leadership

Thomas Thibodeau is the Distinguished Professor of Servant Leadership at Viterbo University where he has been teaching for 39 years. Tom is the founder of the master's degree in Servant leadership at Viterbo, the first and only master's degree of its kind in the nation. He is a husband, father, grandfather, teacher, active community member and part owner of a country tavern. Thibodeau speaks and consults regionally and nationally on the Positive Power of Servant Leadership.

Robert Toomey, Ed.D Learning & Talent Development Consultant

Robert Toomey, Ed.D., is a learning and talent development consultant. He has previously served in training and professional development for several public agencies. While serving as program director for the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Division of Continuing Studies, Robert was founding director of the Servant Leadership Certificate program. Prior to receiving a doctorate in educational leadership from Edgewood College, Robert earned a M.A. in Servant Leadership from Viterbo University.

Nicole Van Ert, MBA Director of the Center for Professional Learning

Van Ert has taught undergraduate and graduate courses within the College of Business, Leadership, and Ethics. She is a Ph.D. candidate at Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee, WI. Her dissertation research concerns ethical leadership and social capital. Van Ert is certified in the Predictive Index, The Leadership Circle Profile™ 360°, and Compression Planning®. She is passionate about historic home preservation and owns three vacation rentals with her friend and business partner. Van Ert enjoys serving the greater La Crosse community as an active board member of the Coulee Region Authentic Learning Council (CRALC) and La Crosse SOUP.

Nicky Rose Program Coordinator of the Center for Professional Learning

Nicky has an extensive background in academic affairs and program management in higher education. She received her bachelor’s degree at Texas State University. Nicky is the Head Coach of Holmen High School Volleyball, where she brings passion, discipline, and a servant-leadership approach to developing athletes on and off the court. She is the recipient of Viterbo University’s Servant-Leader Award and Employee of the Year Award, as well as the 2024 Tribune Coach of the Year, honors that recognize her commitment to mission-driven leadership and her ability to empower others.

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