Established in 1993, the Center for Student Leadership is dedicated to enhancing student leadership potential. It provides programs and services that embrace the values of social justice, citizenship, ethical decision-making, service to others, and diversity. Jonathan Grey has been the Director of the Center since 1993. He earned a BS from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, and an MS in College Student Personnel from Indiana University, Bloomington. The Director of the Center is responsible for its development, day-to-day management, and programs. He serves as advisor to the Associated Students of Santa Clara University (ASSCU) and is responsible for managing finances, facilities, and assets. In addition, the Director serves as the primary contact for the Center's leadership and advising programs and provides financial and business assistance to the Chartered Student Organizations and Clubs.

Santa Clara University was founded in 1851 by the Society of Jesus as Santa Clara College and is California’s oldest operating institution of higher learning. It was established on the grounds of Mission Santa Clara de Asìs, the eighth of the original 21 California missions. The college originally operated as a preparatory school and did not offer courses of collegiate rank until 1853. The institution became known as the University of Santa Clara in 1912, when the schools of engineering and law were added. For 110 years, Santa Clara University was an all-male school. In 1961, women were accepted as undergraduates and Santa Clara University became the first coeducational Catholic university in California. The number of students and faculty tripled over the next decade and the university began the largest building program in school history with eight residence halls, a student union, and an athletic stadium. In the early 1970s, the Board of Trustees voted to limit the size of the undergraduate population, an action that was intended to preserve the character and ensure the quality of the university for generations to come. In 1985, the university adopted Santa Clara University as its official name. Bibliography: Santa Clara University. “About SCU – History.” www.scu.edu/about/history.cfm (Accessed Nov. 23, 2010) McKevitt, Gerald, S.J. The University of Santa Clara: A History, 1851-1977. Stanford, California: Stanford University Press, 1979.