Episode 59: “Becoming Better: Character, Moral Growth, and the Future of Higher Education” with Dr. Jennifer Rothschild

What does it mean to become a better person?And what responsibility do colleges and universities have in helping students develop not only knowledge and skills, but character?In this episode of The Flourishing Leaders Podcast, Dr. Scott Parsons and Jason Viyar welcome Dr. Jennifer Rothschild, Executive Director of the Educating Character Initiative (ECI), philosopher, virtue ethicist, and leading voice in character education.Jennifer shares her journey from philosophy to character education, reflects on the influence of Martha Nussbaum and Candace Vogler, explores Aristotle's vision of virtue, and explains why moral growth is ultimately a story of integration and wholeness.The conversation also dives into the exciting future of character education through ECI's Communities of Impact and Character Commons initiatives, which aim to connect educators, institutions, and practitioners around a shared commitment to human flourishing.In this episode:✅ What flourishing leadership means✅ The unity of the virtues and moral growth✅ Aristotle, virtue ethics, and character formation✅ Why character is always a social story✅ Hospitality as a leadership practice✅ The mission of the Educating Character Initiative✅ Communities of Impact and Character Commons✅ The future of character education in higher educationWhether you are an educator, leader, student, coach, parent, or lifelong learner, this conversation offers profound insights into what it means to grow in wisdom, virtue, and humanity.Learn more about The Educating Character Initiative Learn more about The Program for Character and Leadership Thank you for listening to the Flourishing Leaders Podcast! Hosted by Dr. Scott Parsons, this podcast explores how character, virtue, wisdom, and purpose can shape a more flourishing life and leadership journey.Learn more at: Flourishing Leaders AcademySubscribe & Follow: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google | YouTube Share this episode with someone who’s ready to lead with integrity and flourish in every domain of life. Connect with Scott: LinkedIn | [email protected] with us—because leadership rooted in character changes everything.