November 23, 2009

Hauenstein Center Director Gleaves Whitney spoke at the induction ceremony for Grand Valley’s chapter of the National Leadership Honor Society (Omicron Delta Kappa). He spoke about “The First Thing You’ll Notice About Leaders.”

Gleaves Whitney became director of Grand Valley State University’s Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies in 2003. Prior to his arrival at Grand Valley, Gleaves worked 11 years in Michigan Governor John Engler’s administration, serving as senior writer, chief speechwriter, and historian.

In addition to his public work, Gleaves is a scholar who writes and lectures nationally on a variety of historical topics. He is author or editor of 13 books including most recently (with Mark Rozell) Religion and the American Presidency and Religion and the Bush Presidency. Other books include American Presidents: Farewell Addresses to the Nation, 1796-2001; John Engler: The Man, the Leader & the Legacy; and 6 volumes of Messages of the Governors of Michigan. Another book on the Bush presidency is forthcoming.