Established September 1998

Established through contributions from numerous individuals and corporations and state matching funds, the chair in leadership supports the director's position in the McConnell Center for Political Leadership. The nonpartisan, multi-disciplinary center trains students to assume effective leadership roles in politics, government and public service. Its programs also provide insight into the dynamics of the political process in the United States and internationally.

The center and chair are named for U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell, who spearheaded the effort to create a center in political leadership at U of L.

Each year the center awards approximately 10 McConnell scholarships to deserving Kentucky high school seniors who plan to pursue bachelor's degrees with a major or minor in political science. The first McConnell Scholars graduated in 1996.