Annual Shelton Leadership Forum

2025 Shelton Leadership Forum

Ethical Leadership in an Interconnected World

Thursday, October 23, 2025 | 9 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. EST | Streamed live virtually for all registrants

As organizations expand, local communities grow, and modern technology advances, society is more exposed to different operational approaches and values systems than ever. Within our communities and workforces, there is a vital need for individuals who understand how to build relationships, constructively communicate, and champion organizational values to lead ethically in an interconnected world.

So, how do emerging and experienced leaders develop the essential skills necessary to thrive in these environments?

The 2025 Shelton Leadership Forum equips attendees with practical strategies to foster effective engagement through mutual respect, analyze leadership actions that promote ethical considerations, and prioritize the shared values and perspectives of their communities both locally and globally.

Expert speakers and thought leaders will engage the audience by providing resources that drive ethical decision-making and produce collaborative connections.

2025 Keynote Speakers

William S. Cohen
Chairman, The Cohen Group
Secretary of Defense (1997-2001)
Senator (1979-1997)
Congressman (1973-1979)

About Secretary Cohen

Donna Hicks, Ph.D.
Associate at the Harvard University Weatherhead Center for International Affairs; Author of Leading with Dignity: How to Create a Culture That Brings Out the Best in People

About Dr. Hicks

2025 Forum Agenda

Please note that this agenda is tentative and may be subject to change. Our full detailed agenda for the 2025 Forum will be announced soon.

About the Forum

The Shelton Leadership Forum is a nationally-recognized event heading into its 24th successful year. The event welcomes participants from all over North Carolina and around the world for a day focused on practical lessons in values-based leadership.

Our audience consists of corporate, education, non-profit, military, government and other emerging leaders. Our speakers include innovators from from corporate, military and education industries.

Each year, the Shelton Leadership Forum focuses on a different topic facing leaders today and our goal is to provide attendees with actionable strategies for success.

Sponsor the Forum

Is your organization interested in sponsoring the 2025 Shelton Leadership Forum?

Though the theme changes annually, over 75% of sponsors renew their support year after year.
Multiple opportunities are available to support this year’s Forum.

View 2025 Sponsorship Options

For more information about sponsorships, please contact Dr. Debbie Acker.

Thank you to the following organizations for their support of the 2025 Forum:

• State Farm
• Cisco
• Red Hat
• Labcorp

Interested in hosting a viewing party?

Viewing Party Cost: $1500

By hosting a viewing party, organizations can gather in a location of their choosing and create a unique professional development opportunity for their teams. Hosts are provided the essential resources to maximize the content of the Shelton Forum, produce meaningful conversations with their teams, and efficiently create a memorable learning experience.

What’s included: Facilitator Guide, access to facilitator training sessions, access to the 2025 Shelton Forum livestream, giveaways & prizes, professional development activities & supplies.

To inquire about viewing parties, please contact us at sheltonleadershipforum@ncsu.edu.

Have questions about the Forum?

Please reach out to our main Shelton Forum inbox with questions or specific requests at sheltonleadershipforum@ncsu.edu.

Forum Program Director

TM

Tiffany McLean

Senior Associate Director

919-513-0144 tiffany_mclean@ncsu.edu