"We are not just problem solvers, we are possibility makers."
About RDLI
The Rollie Denison Leadership Institute (RDLI), named for former Mt. Pleasant community leader and CMU alumnus George Roland “Rollie” Denison, is an intensive educational program that prepares individuals to be future leaders in the greater Mt. Pleasant area by learning about the many facets of the Mt. Pleasant community. The speakers for each topic area are experts in their fields and give the “perspective from the top.”
Leadership Institute participants learn about: Leadership Styles and Practices, Leadership Philosophies, Technology, Economic Development, Healthcare, Education, the Criminal Justice System, Business Ethics, Business Law, Cultural Diversity, Listening Skills, Legislative Affairs / State Government, Public Speaking, and Media Relations.
RDLI participants develop an incredible network of high-level contacts on which they can call for the remainder of their careers in the Mt. Pleasant community. Since its inception in 1990, the Rollie Denison Leadership Institute has helped more than 300 community members enhance their leadership abilities and put them to great use in their families, at work and throughout Isabella County community organizations.
If you have any questions, please contact the Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce at (989) 772-2396.
Get Involved
Registration for the 2025-2026 RDLI is OPEN! Register today to expand your leadership knowledge in areas of local government, education, arts & culture, economic development, and quality of life.
Register for the 2025-2026 RDLI
*Once your form is complete, please email jlucchesi@mt-pleasant.net to determine payment for your course registration.
Registration Opens: September 5th, 2025
Registration Closes: November 7th, 2025
Class Schedule: Classes occur on the second Friday of each month, running from November 2025 to April 2026. Classes will meet at various locations and run from 8:00 am - 3:00 pm.
- Friday, November 14th
- Friday, December 12th
- Friday, January 9th
- Friday, February 13th
- Friday, March 6th (moved up due to spring break)
- Friday, April 10th
Cost: $850 (due before the first class)
If you are interested in the RDLI course and have questions, please contact Padraic McMeel at pmcmeel@mt-pleasant.net. In addition, if you work for a non-profit or may need financial assistance, please contact Padraic McMeel.
Dan Gaken, Director of the Central Michigan University Leadership Institute, will facilitate each class.
*The Rollie Denison Leadership Institute and the Rollie Denison Leadership Institute Capstone Course are conducted every other year. The 2024-2025 RDLI Capstone Course was completed on June 13th, 2025.
Learn more about the RDLI Leadership Enhancement Fund at the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation.