LEAD21 is currently accepting applications for Class 22
(2026-2027). The primary purpose of LEAD21 is to develop leaders in land-grant
institutions and their strategic partners to link research, academics and
extension to lead more effectively in an increasingly complex environment,
either in their current position or as they aspire to new roles.
The LEAD21 Board of Directors (BOD) consists of representatives from the various Board of Agriculture Assembly Section's Committees on Organization and Policy (headquartered at APLU) and strategic partners. More information and the link to apply is found here.
The ECOP appointees to LEAD21 BOD are Amy Loader, University of New Hampshire, and Program Chair Quentin Tyler, Michigan State University.
2025 Team Excellence in Extension Award – University of
Wisconsin Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve team
Lake Superior is the largest freshwater surface on earth. There
is 325 miles of Wisconsin coastline along this superlative body of water. Since
Wisconsin Cooperative Extension led the federal designation in 2010, the Lake
Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve team has led research,
stewardship, and education efforts along the coast and the St. Louis River
estuary. This exceptional place has drawn together a uniquely dedicated team.
Staff believe their strong connections to the watershed and to their community
resulted not only in this honor, but a better tomorrow for the estuary.
Director Deanna Erickson, who is accepted this award at the 2025 NEDA
conference, says that the collective commitment to land and water, especially
in Wisconsin, will endure beyond our lifetime and the next.
JCEP Public Issues Leadership Development Conference Save
the Date
The Joint Council of Extension Professionals (JCEP) Public Issues Leadership Development Conference (PILD) will take place April 20-22, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Bethesda, MD.
Extension Leadership Conference Call for Proposals – Due
October 17
Extension professionals, specialists, and administrators are
invited to share their expertise at the
2026 Extension Leadership Conference (ELC), which will take place February 4th
and 5th in Savannah, GA. This national event is designed to support,
challenge, and inspire Extension professionals across all disciplines as they
grow in their leadership journey. The conference will provide education and
training in leadership and management skills essential for building confidence
and capacity in today’s Extension leaders.
Important: Proposals should focus on building leadership
skills rather than replicating subject-matter Extension programs.
Presentation Topics
Presentations should highlight leadership while drawing from diverse perspectives, which may include, but are not limited to:
- People skills and team development
- Planning tools and processes
- Effective communication strategies
- Leadership in a changing environment
- People management and supervision
- Incorporating both in-person and virtual program components
