CCU Names Kale Edmonds Recipient of 2026 CCU Leadership Award

Posted on May 12, 2026

CCU Names Kale Edmonds Recipient of 2026 CCU Leadership Award

LAKEWOOD, Colo. - Colorado Christian University announced Kale Edmonds as the recipient of the 2026 CCU Leadership Award, a prestigious annual honor recognizing one outstanding junior or senior in the College of Undergraduate Studies who exemplifies the University's core values of Christian leadership, character, and service.

Presented during CCU's 2026 Commencement ceremony at Blue Arena in Loveland, the award includes a $25,000 cash prize made possible through a more than $1 million endowment established by former CCU trustee Hal Krause and additional donors.

This year's award was sponsored by Vistage Worldwide and Sam Reese, longtime CEO of Vistage and a Colorado native with strong ties to Colorado Christian University.

"CCU is shaping leaders who understand that character and service are inseparable from leadership," Reese shared. "It's an honor to support an award that celebrates students who are leading with integrity."

Kale Edmonds came to CCU from Gretna, Nebraska, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in History with Secondary Education licensure. Throughout his time at CCU, Edmonds distinguished himself as a student leader, marked by humility, integrity, compassion, and faithful service to others.

A member of CCU's Cross Country and Track & Field teams, Edmonds also served as director of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at CCU, helping lead and disciple fellow students in their faith.

"I'm incredibly grateful for the people God has placed in my life throughout my time at CCU," said Edmonds. "The professors, coaches, teammates, and students here have challenged me to grow not only academically, but in my faith and in how I serve others. This recognition is truly an honor, and I hope to continue leading and teaching in a way that points people to Christ."

In addition to his campus leadership, Edmonds coached cross country and track at Evergreen High School, where he also completed his student teaching. Earlier this academic year, the school community experienced a tragic shooting, and Edmonds remained steadfast in supporting and encouraging students during a season of deep trauma and uncertainty.

"Kale represents the kind of servant leader Colorado Christian University aims to develop - someone who leads with humility, remains grounded in faith, and serves others even in difficult circumstances," said CCU President, Eric Hogue. "His commitment to students and his community reflects the heart of Christ-centered leadership."

Daniel LaBry, president of the CCU Endowment Foundation and vice president of university advancement, expressed gratitude for the partnership with Vistage and Reese.

"We are so blessed to have donors who recognize the importance of training and encouraging students who can lead our culture and not be led by it! The CCU Leadership Award exists to recognize and encourage that type of Christ-centered character, humility, and service," said LaBry. "As a high school teacher and coach, Kale is already impacting the world with grace and truth. We are deeply grateful for partners like Vistage and Sam Reese whose generosity helps make this award possible for future generations of students."

Vistage Worldwide is the world's largest CEO coaching and peer advisory organization for small and midsize businesses. For more than 65 years, Vistage has helped business leaders solve challenges and strengthen leadership through confidential peer groups and executive coaching. Today, more than 45,000 members in 40 countries rely on Vistage to help make better decisions for their companies, families, and communities.