Prepare to lead in the moments that shape history.
SALTT is a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn
about the scope and scale of Dwight D. Eisenhower's
leadership and strategic decision making.
Strategy & Leadership in Transformational Times (SALTT) is the Eisenhower Institute’s premiere capstone experience, an opportunity for motivated students with proven leadership potential to work one-on-one with Expert-in-Residence and Chairman Emeritus, Susan Eisenhower. This yearlong specialized seminar introduces students to the concepts of strategic thinking and leadership under rapidly changing conditions. Under Ms. Eisenhower’s direction, SALTT will utilize the case study of WWII and the Allied forces in the fight to defeat Nazi Germany to shed new light on the current conflict and war in Europe.
In the fall semester, we will study the lead up to World War II, the war on the Western front after US engagement, the developments that led to the Nazi unconditional surrender and the aftermath of the war in Europe. These stories will be presented to underscore the role that strategy and leadership plays, even for new recruits, that ultimately led to success. Spring semester will be dedicated to preparing for a memorable trip to the D-Day beaches and the specific challenges of that battle. We will visit key archives in Washington, D.C. and Carlisle, Pennsylvania in January before leaving for Normandy, France, in March.
Not only will this case study add immeasurably to students’ understanding of this pivotal historic moment, SALTT participants will also gain a new perspective for understanding and practicing strategic thinking for use in their future careers in the private, public, or non-profit sectors. Students will develop a project based on the individual insights they gather during their trip to Normandy and the program in its entirety.
Program Eligibility
The SALTT program will be comprised of competitively selected students from Gettysburg College. The Eisenhower Institute is seeking students who are eager to learn and committed to this seminar. Applicants must successfully complete an application process and an interview.
He or she must also be willing to commit a Friday from 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM, and a Saturday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM once a month—as well as three days at the end of the January break. Participants must be available during the entire Spring Break period (March 7-17, 2025) for travel to Normandy. Participants will need to have or acquire a passport by the end of the fall 2024 semester.