The Batten Leadership Institute

Hollins has been developing women leaders since its founding more than 160 years ago. In 2002, thanks to a gift from business leader and philanthropist Frank Batten, and his wife, Jane Parke Batten (Hollins class of 1958), Hollins created the Batten Leadership Institute or BLI.

The BLI is an umbrella organization that manages a diverse array of programs and initiatives:

• The Certificate of Leadership Studies, offered to undergraduate students
• A Certificate in Professional Leadership for professional women in the Roanoke area, local high school programming, and summer camps
• Consulting to local and national organizations

"BLI 'gets' the virtuous circle of self-discovery, service to others, and leadership development. The intensive exposure the institute provides to the theory and practice of leadership is without peer among undergraduate programs for women."

Loren Gary
Associate Director for Leadership Development & Public Affairs
Center for Public Leadership
John F. Kennedy School of Government
Harvard University