What makes a “good” president? Strong leadership traits and best practices have defined and guided U.S. presidents throughout history. These include duty and responsibility, vision and values, diplomacy and empathy, international relations and transparent communication. An educational background with rigorous standards of excellence can also help develop leadership skills and fortitude.

Eight U.S. Presidents have earned degrees from Harvard University – the highest turnout rate than any other university or college. They include Barack Obama, George W. Bush, John F. Kennedy, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Theodore Roosevelt, Rutherford B. Hayes, John Quincy Adams and John Adams.

What gives Harvard this distinction?

“Harvard has been seen for a very long time as the ultimate brand and standard for an education of excellence,” explains Ambassador Wendy Sherman, professor of the practice of public leadership and director of the Center for Public Leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School. “Our history based on democratic values draws very smart, capable people. We train, educate and develop young people, career people and executives to be principled, effective and just public leaders.”

Harvard Leadership

The Center for Public Leadership at Harvard Kennedy School offers a wide-ranging understanding of economics, politics and law. But it is more than what goes on in the classroom.  “We hope to instill moral leadership with principles that are inclusive and diverse,” says Amb. Sherman.

To achieve that, rigorous academic preparation is integrated with the practice of building knowledge, character and self-reflection required to make positive change in the world.  Students engage, exchanging ideas with peers, preeminent leaders, and practitioners. Professors lead by real-world experiences, allowing students to see firsthand how they can take action to impact global communities.

Why Education Matters

Every president since Harry S. Truman was in office (1945-1953) has earned at least a bachelor’s degree, even though a college education is not mandatory to run for office. In 1789, the U.S. Constitution established the government structure, including requirements for presidential candidates. They are simple and have been in place since George Washington accepted the role. The candidate must be:

•  a natural born citizen of the United States

•  a resident for 14 years

•  a minimum of 35 years old

According to a Pew Research Center survey, 74% of Americans say it wouldn’t matter whether a presidential candidate went to “a prestigious university such as Harvard or Yale.” However, 19% say they’d be more likely to support such a candidate.

The fact is, it’s a different world. Relentless media coverage focuses on political leaders, expecting knowledge on a multitude of subjects. Social media consumers have access to information, a platform and a voice for what they expect from national leaders. Higher education can add depth and substance to presidential candidates and expose them to diverse world views, opportunities and solutions.

Duty And Leadership

Early presidents saw their role as duty. Today, it’s about leadership. In her book, “Leadership in Turbulent Times,” presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin focused on Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt and Lyndon Johnson.

The book explains that although they came from very different backgrounds, abilities, and temperament, they “shared a fierce ambition and a deep-seated resilience that enabled them to surmount uncommon adversity. At their best, all four were guided by a sense of moral purpose. At moments of great challenge, they were able to summon their talents to enlarge the opportunities and lives of others.”

Kearns Goodwin, who taught Government at Harvard and works at History.com, cites six traits/practices of an effective, memorable leader, especially during national strife. These include: empathy, resilience, communication, openness, impulse control, relaxation.

Indeed, national strife is an indicator in how a true leader can emerge, says Ambassador Sherman. “Every great leader is tested in moments of crisis. They can grow and fill the role – or fail if they don’t.”

She cites how Obama grew to the task under the pressure of being the first African American president, facing unprecedented challenges. President Franklin Roosevelt had the “extraordinary capability” to seek the help of his staff. He also trusted first lady Eleanor Roosevelt and her investigative reports from the field.

Future Presidents

Moral leadership that involves empathy and shaking up the norm might figure into what the country needs in future presidents moving forward. Ambassador Sherman praised her students for how they dealt with the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, their involvement with Black Lives Matter and more.  “Harvard continues to increase its diversity, and the students I teach already come with a wealth of diverse life experiences,” she says. “Just as these presidents have, they can overcome the challenges. They need to listen to those who have been victims and not rush to judgment to address inequities of the pandemic, the justice system, education.”

Rodrigo Dorador, a graduate student at the Center for Public Leadership and a fellow in the Latinx cohort, is doing a summer internship with the mayor’s office in Phoenix, his hometown. Harvard has prepared him well, he says. “My teachers at the Kennedy School teach us to be really bold.”

The Latinx students attend co-curricular leadership seminars, participate in presidential simulation scenarios and define leadership roadmaps. As Boomers begin to retire, Dorador says Gen X and Gen Y students need to step up, start implementing ideas and take action.

“Carrying the Harvard title means pushing me to ask questions that haven’t been asked before, to try riskier solutions, to think about how we should lead our lives and co-existing, to think outside current systems and negotiate with other stakeholders.”

He is confident and ready. “I belong in these spaces.”

Ambassador Sherman believes Harvard students reflect the best traits for future leaders – including presidential hopefuls – but need to strive for more. A set of values, preparedness and moral courage can help them serve at a deeper level. “Having a Harvard education may get you your next job, but it’s up to you to rise to what’s expected.” •