TUCSON, Ariz. — The University of Arizona is partnering with Jon Gordon, one of the nation’s most influential voices on leadership, culture and teamwork, to launch The Energy Bus: Positivity in Leadership Certificate, a new online professional development program inspired by the book that launched his extraordinary career.
Delivered through Arizona Online, the program represents the first university partnership of its kind built around Gordon’s leadership framework and is designed to help professionals apply the principles of positive leadership, accountability, communication and resilience in real-world organizational settings.
“When we began exploring what this could become, it was important to find a partner that shared our belief in developing leaders who make a positive difference in the world,” Gordon said. “The University of Arizona’s commitment to innovation, access and leadership, combined with its role as a flagship land-grant institution, made it the right fit for this partnership. Arizona is also a nationally recognized brand across academics, research and athletics, which reflects the kind of excellence and culture we wanted aligned with this program.”
“For years, people have asked for a deeper way to engage with the principles of The Energy Bus,” Gordon said. “Together with the University of Arizona, The Energy Bus: Positivity in Leadership certificate goes beyond inspiration and gives individuals and teams a practical, meaningful and transformational leadership experience.”
For nearly two decades, The Energy Bus has shaped leadership conversations across corporate America, professional sports, education and nonprofit organizations. Gordon’s work has influenced some of the country’s most recognizable coaches, executives and organizations, including teams in the NFL, NBA and collegiate athletics, as well as Fortune 500 companies seeking to strengthen culture, teamwork and performance.
Rather than simply adapting the book into an online course, the partnership is designed to create a deeper and more formal learning experience that combines Gordon’s principles with applied instruction, reflection and practical implementation strategies for individuals and teams.
As the University of Arizona’s online education enterprise, Arizona Online provides flexible access to high-quality education for students and working professionals across the country and around the world. The new program reflects the university’s broader commitment to expanding opportunity through innovative, workforce-aligned learning experiences that meet learners where they are.
“This partnership brings together two organizations that share a belief in the power of leadership to change lives, strengthen organizations and create lasting impact,” said Caleb Simmons, vice provost for the University of Arizona Online. “At the University of Arizona, our strategic imperatives focus on success for every student, research that shapes the future and engagement with communities to create opportunity. Arizona Online extends that mission by expanding access to transformational learning experiences for working professionals and learners everywhere, and Jon Gordon’s work has inspired millions of people to lead with greater purpose, positivity and accountability.”
“We believe this initial cohort is just scratching the surface of what this partnership can become,” Simmons said. “The potential to transform leadership education for individuals and teams at every level of an organization is enormous, and we are excited to help shape the future of this work together.”
Participants in the program will complete 10 asynchronous modules focused on leadership communication, team culture, accountability, resilience and performance. Designed for emerging leaders, managers, educators, team leads and organizational professionals, the program emphasizes immediate workplace application and practical leadership development.
The pricing structure includes an Individual Enrollment Rate of $249 per learner, a Small Team Tier of $1,750 for 10 seats ($175 per seat), and a Department/Site Tier of $7,500 for 50 seats ($150 per seat), all designed to provide scalable and competitive access points for leadership development training. For organizations needing more than 100 seats, a custom Enterprise/Site License pricing model will be negotiated based on utilization, rollout scope, and access needs.
Individuals interested in joining the inaugural cohort can register online now.
About the University of Arizona
Established in 1885, the University of Arizona is the state's flagship, land-grant institution. The U of A ranks among America's top institutions, focusing on student access and success while driving a $1 billion research enterprise and engaging communities throughout the state, nation and world. As a leading Research 1 institution and member of the Association of American Universities, the U of A advances the frontiers of interdisciplinary scholarship and entrepreneurial partnerships. With two accredited medical schools, designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education, recognition as a premier university for service members, distinguished programs in management information systems, planetary sciences, dance, photography, and public and applied humanities, the U of A offers the world to its students while uplifting Arizona.
About Jon Gordon
Jon Gordon is one of the most influential and sought after leadership authors and speakers today. He’s a consultant to numerous leaders, CEOs, NFL, NBA, and MLB Coaches, championship teams and high performers and an inspirational teacher who has helped millions of people have a more positive mindset.
He is the author of 32 books including 18 best sellers and 5 children’s books. His books include the timeless classic The Energy Bus which has sold over 3 million copies, The Carpenter which was a top 5 business book of the year, Training Camp, The Power of Positive Leadership, The Power of a Positive Team, The One Truth and his latest release The 7 Commitments of a Great Team.
