In 2001, Viterbo University was the first university in the world to offer a Master’s degree in Servant Leadership. Years later we are still the only Master’s degree in Servant Leadership in the nation. During those 20+ years, more than 325 graduates continue to serve their organizations and communities in the fields of health care, education, military, religious institutions, large and small businesses, and non-profits.  

This seven-week, non-credit certificate features the flexibility to learn at your own pace and on your own schedule, at an affordable price of $799 for the entire certificate,  with world-class instructors. You will have the opportunity to reflect on your experiences as a leader and to develop skills in communication, storytelling, and ethical decision-making to help build your community and create a servant-led culture within your institution.

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Online Certificate Schedule

Meet the Team

Thomas Thibodeau - Distinguished Professor of Servant Leadership

Thomas Thibodeau is the Distinguished Professor of Servant Leadership at Viterbo University where he has been teaching for 39 years. Tom is the founder of the master's degree in Servant leadership at Viterbo, the first and only master's degree of its kind in the nation. He is a husband, father, grandfather, teacher, active community member and part owner of a country tavern. Thibodeau speaks and consults regionally and nationally on the Positive Power of Servant Leadership.

Robert Toomey, Ed.D - Learning & Talent Development Consultant

Robert Toomey, Ed.D., is a learning and talent development consultant. He has previously served in training and professional development for several public agencies. While serving as program director for the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Division of Continuing Studies, Robert was founding director of the Servant Leadership Certificate program. Prior to receiving a doctorate in educational leadership from Edgewood College, Robert earned a M.A. in Servant Leadership from Viterbo University.

 Nicole Van Ert, MBA - Director of the Center for the Professional Learning

Van Ert has taught undergraduate and graduate courses within the College of Business, Leadership, Ethics, and Education. She is a Ph.D. candidate at Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee, WI. Her dissertation research concerns ethical leadership and social capital. Van Ert is certified in the Predictive Index, The Leadership Circle Profile™ 360°, and Compression Planning®. She is passionate about historic home preservation and owns three vacation rentals with her friend and business partner. Van Ert enjoys serving the greater La Crosse community as an active board member of the Coulee Region Authentic Learning Council (CRALC) and La Crosse SOUP. 

Alycia Larson, MBA - Coordinator of the Center for Professional Learning

Alycia has taught undergraduate courses within the College of Business, Leadership, Ethics, and Education at Viterbo University. She received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Viterbo and is certified in Compression Planning®. Larson serves on the Executive Committee for Viterbo’s Employee Assembly and is the recipient of the 2022 Servant Leader Award.  She is an active member of the Board of Directors at Bethel Home and Services in Viroqua, WI.

Contact Us

Nicole Van Ert
Director, Center for Professional Learning
nmvanert@viterbo.edu
608-796-3616