Home
National Center for Principled Leadership & Research Ethics
Developing values-driven, effective leaders, and advancing institutional integrity through intentional professional development
The National Center for Principled Leadership & Research Ethics (NCPRE) researches, develops, and delivers intentional professional development programming for academic environments. Our core idea is promoting Cultures of Excellence in these settings: high performing and productive teams that are also guided by values of respect and inclusion.
We create tools and resources to inspire, support, and evaluate them all.
Pilot our Programs
Build the skills no one ever warned you’d need by piloting the program individually or with your lab group.
Recent News
2025.07.08 - Academic leaders shouldn’t have to lead alone.
The Principled Academic Leadership (PAL) program creates intentional cohorts, focusing on building connection, mutual support, and shared purpose.
Cohorts develop a “Critical Friends” group: a confidential, trusted peer space to discuss challenges and workshop solutions.
PAL isn’t just a class. It’s a leadership community that focuses on emotional well being.
2025.06.16 - Higher Education is Under Pressure
We all know higher education is under pressure.
Leadership turnover, public distrust, political interference, and resource constraints are reshaping the landscape…fast. In this moment, faculty and academic leaders are being asked to do more with less, take on responsibilities beyond their training, and navigate complexity with little margin for error.
At NCPRE, we believe strong, values-based leadership is one of the most effective tools institutions have for weathering uncertainty and building resilience.
That’s why we offer:
- Evidence-based professional development programs
- Research-validated assessment tools
- Just-in-time resources that support real-world decision-making
We partner with institutions across the country to help faculty, staff, and administrators lead with clarity, purpose, and integrity; no matter the challenge.
That work includes our Chairs and Heads Principled Academic Leadership (PAL) Program: a cohort-based experience that equips academic leaders with practical tools for navigating difficult conversations, aligning decisions with institutional values, and leading teams through periods of change.