Advancing excellence and opportunity in real estate and related sectors. By combining top-tier education with expert mentorship, we aim to build a self-sustaining ecosystem that helps prepare the next generation of industry leaders.

With the support of experienced professionals and industry partners, The Ferguson CLE will serve as a catalyst for meaningful change in the real estate field—broadening access, raising awareness, and opening doors for more future professionals.

As one of the largest industries in the country, real estate has the potential to lead by example. Together, we’re helping shape a more dynamic and forward-thinking future for the field.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Ferguson CLE Program

TUITION SUPPORT 

COURSE CURRICULUM & MENTORSHIP

Real Estate CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

A cornerstone commitment to our conviction is preparing students for the C-Suites and Boardrooms where they can truly effectuate change. That’s why, in partnership with LifeRamp we have designed a transformational, coach guided educational program that includes self-led training modules, 1:1 career and life coaching, virtual learning experiences as well as real estate industry mentorship.

The goal is to partner with collegiate partners to enroll at least 50 sophomores each year, for a total of 150 students in the program (50 per class – sophomores, juniors, and seniors), minoring in a curriculum focused on business, finance and real estate courses. Scholarships earned through the program will go to our collegiate partners for disbursement to the students' accounts to cover their tuition costs.

The CLE will be introducing students to career opportunities in at least 4 main industry sectors, including real estate, infrastructure, hospitality and leisure, and healthcare services, principally senior housing.

TUITION SUPPORT  

COURSE CURRICULUM & MENTORSHIP

Real Estate CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Opens August 1, closes September 20
Opens August 1, closes September 20
Application opens June 2025
Opens August 1, closes September 20

A cornerstone commitment to our conviction is preparing students for the C-Suites and Boardrooms where they can truly effectuate change. That’s why, in partnership with LifeRamp we have designed a transformational, coach guided educational program that includes self-led training modules, 1:1 career and life coaching, virtual learning experiences as well as real estate industry mentorship.

COURSE CURRICULUM & MENTORSHIP

TUITION SUPPORT & FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Real Estate CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

The goal is to partner with collegiate partners to enroll at least 50 sophomores each year, for a total of 150 students in the program (50 per class – sophomores, juniors, and seniors), minoring in a curriculum focused on business, finance and real estate courses. Scholarships earned through the program will go to our collegiate partners for disbursement to the students' accounts to cover their tuition costs.

COURSE CURRICULUM & MENTORSHIP

TUITION SUPPORT & FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Real Estate CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

The CLE will be introducing students to career opportunities in at least 4 main industry sectors, including real estate, infrastructure, hospitality and leisure, and healthcare services, principally senior housing.

COURSE CURRICULUM & MENTORSHIP

TUITION SUPPORT & FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Real Estate CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

The Ferguson CLE Values

Community

Community is a fundamental value that drives our mission to empower students to succeed academically and professionally. We know that by coming together, supporting one another, and working towards common goals, we can create a more positive and impactful future for all.

Purpose

Purpose is what drives us to make a difference in the world. When we are driven by a sense of purpose and meaning, we are able to achieve our greatest potential and make the most positive impact. We believe that by supporting our students in finding and pursuing their purpose, we can create a more purposeful and fulfilling future for all.

Ambition

Ambition is what fuels our drive to succeed and to make a difference in the world, and that it is a fundamental quality that we should nurture and cultivate. We believe that by embracing ambition, we can create a more ambitious and accomplished future for all.

Stewardship

We are custodians of the resources and opportunities that have been entrusted to us, and that it is our duty to use them wisely and effectively. We are committed to building a program that is grounded in the principles of stewardship, ensuring that our resources are used efficiently and effectively to create the greatest possible impact.

By combining top-tier education with expert mentorship, we aim to build a self-sustaining ecosystem that helps prepare the next generation of industry leaders.

With the support of experienced professionals and industry partners, The Ferguson CLE will serve as a catalyst for meaningful change in the real estate field—broadening access, raising awareness, and opening doors for more future professionals.

As one of the largest industries in the country, real estate has the potential to lead by example. Together, we’re helping shape a more dynamic and forward-thinking future for the field.

Our Approach

Advancing excellence and opportunity in real estate and related sectors.

Featured in

William (Bill) Ferguson serves as Chairman of Ferguson Partners. He conducts senior management recruiting assignments, with a specialization in president/Chief Executive Officer searches and recruiting assignments for Boards of Trustees/Directors.

He also conducts CEO succession planning assignments and facilitates public company Board assessments and senior management assessments. Before founding Ferguson Partners, Mr. Ferguson was a Managing Director with one of the leading international executive recruiting consultants.

There, he co-managed the firm’s national real estate practice. Prior to focusing on real estate, Mr. Ferguson worked for General Mills, Inc. in Minneapolis in strategic marketing.

Utilizing over 30 years of knowledge and experience around real estate and related industries, Bill launched his latest initiative- The Ferguson Centers for Leadership Excellence, in June of 2022. Bill and his wife, Penny Ferguson, are committed to creating an ecosystem of opportunity for future generations. 

Our Story

Meet Bill Ferguson

President



Bill Ferguson


Who we are

Meet the team

Student Liaison


Ebony Mitchell


Marketing Lead

Anisha Desai


Executive Assistant


Nicole Gariti


Executive Director, Fundraising


Penny Ferguson


Chief Operating Officer


Carrie Nowicki

Program Manager, Career Development


Emily Bell


Program Manager, University Partners


Kelli Dungan


Need help getting started? 

Application opens June 2025

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