What started as a discussion more than a year ago came to fruition recently when Oklahoma State University Extension graduated its Leadership Academy inaugural class.
“We did some research in other states to see what Extension was doing to help further develop leaders within their organization,” said Cheryl Newberry, OSU Extension program and personnel development specialist. “We wanted to build capacity for leadership in Extension and empower participants to think creatively, be innovative and work smarter, not harder.”
The Leadership Academy was open to Extension professionals with at least three years of experience – from Community Nutrition Education paraprofessionals to state specialists – with 18 graduating in this initial class. Participants met monthly from October through April, both in person and via Zoom.
“We wanted to show that it doesn’t matter where you are in an organization, you can still be a leader. Leadership capacity isn’t always associated with a title,” she said. “We had participants with three years’ experience up to 35 or more years. It was a great group. It’s wonderful to be able to provide opportunities to build the capacity for leadership within Extension.”
Each academy participant was required to read a book about leadership and give a report to the class. Later in the academy, they had to come up with a project to implement in their county or district, applying what they’d learned in the class.
“They were encouraged to use innovation and try something new,” Newberry said. “They presented a wide range of projects, some of which have already been implemented.”
Dana Baldwin, Major and Blaine Counties OSU Extension Family & Consumer Sciences/4-H Youth Development Extension Educator and Major County Extension Director was a participant. She said “Leadership Academy reminded me how to be a better leader and educator. It was a great reminder of all of the opportunities that are available and that we continue to make a difference in people’s lives in Extension.”
Dr. Damona Doye, OSU Extension associate vice president, said she was glad to have been instrumental in providing this opportunity for OSU Extension employees by gathering examples from other states and allocating the budget to support it. Through her experience with (Food Systems Leadership Institute (FSLI) she was able to specify the goals and shape key elements of the academy.
“I was glad to see a mixture of ag, FCS, 4-H, and specialists participate in the academy. This provided an opportunity for participants to make connections with other Extension professionals with whom they have not previously worked,” Doye said. “It was encouraging to the individuals within the group to connect while learning more about their own skillset.”
It’s important for Extension professionals to continue learning new skills in anticipation of leadership transition. Doye said there are county educators who may want to become county extension directors or district directors.
“This is an opportunity for us to develop better leaders, not only for Extension, but also for our communities,” she said. “We want our employees to stand out and be leaders and the Leadership Academy is one way to achieve this.”
Feedback on the Leadership Academy has been positive, and plans are in development to offer this opportunity in the future.
“We plan to provide additional professional development opportunities to the graduates,” Doye said.
OSU Extension uses research-based information to help all Oklahomans solve local issues and concerns, promote leadership and manage resources wisely throughout the state's 77 counties. Most information is available at little to no cost.