Welcome to SPACE, our adult continuing education program which offers interactive monthly courses for personal enrichment! Learn more here.

Henry Wilson

Prospective SPACE PreceptorSPACE Preceptor

Champion of hope, leadership, and growth through story

Henry Wilson is an educator, facilitator, and leadership development professional whose work explores the intersection of storytelling, leadership, and human growth. He currently serves as Youth Coaching Manager with TEAMTRI, where he leads leadership development strategy and supports coaches working with student leaders across the United States through workshops and immersive trainings focused on personal growth, communication, teamwork, and adaptive leadership. Previously, he was Associate Director of the RISE Lab at National University and worked as an economist with Lightcast and Mercaris, translating complex data into accessible insights for higher education and industry audiences. Henry holds a B.S. in Agricultural Economics and an M.S. in Applied Economics from the University of Idaho. As a lifelong reader of J.R.R. Tolkien, he is drawn to Tolkien’s explorations of humility, stewardship, hope, and the quiet courage of ordinary individuals. He lives in Boise, Idaho, with his partner MaKenna and their three cats, and enjoys movies, time in nature, and baseball. [see full bio...]

All Modules

Many Voices, One Song: Leadership in Tolkien’s Middle-earth

Mixed Lecture/Discussion
Leadership is one of the most enduring and complex themes in J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendarium. From reluctant leaders like Frodo to commanding figures such as Aragorn, Tolkien explores leadership not as a single style but as a dynamic interplay of voices, virtues, and choices.

This course examines leadership through Tolkien’s works using the GiANT 5 Voices framework, connecting modern leadership theory with literary analysis. Participants will identify their own leadership voice, analyze the leadership styles of key Tolkien characters, and explore practical leadership tools as they appear, explicitly or implicitly, within Middle-earth. The course culminates in applying these insights to real-world leadership contexts, helping learners grow as thoughtful, adaptable, and values-driven leaders.

This course is ideal for all readers of Tolkien, leaders, and lifelong learners interested in the intersection of literature, leadership, and personal development.

The module will follow an 8-session structure as shown below:
Outline 8-Session Structure
Week 1 Session 1: Discovering Your Leadership Voice
Session 2: Leadership in Tolkien's World
Week 2 Session 3: Leadership Voices in Middle-earth
Session 4: Leadership Voices in Action
Week 3 Session 5: Leadership Tools
Session 6: Tools at Work through Tolkien
Week 4 Session 7: Tapping into All Five Voices
Session 8: How Would You Lead Middle-earth?