AMES, Iowa – Three Iowa State University professors participated with 90 individuals nationwide to complete a LEAD21 leadership-development program in Washington, D.C., in February.
The faculty from Iowa State were Ajay Nair, associate professor in horticulture and extension vegetable specialist; Joshua Rosenbloom, a professor and department chair of economics; and Angela Shaw, an associate professor in food science and human nutrition.
The purpose of LEAD21 is to develop leaders in land-grant institutions who can effectively lead in complex environments. Participants represented land-grant institutions and nationwide partners. During the past year, the academic participants met regularly with peers to enhance their leadership skills.
The Iowa State team was thankful the College of Agriculture and Life Science’s support to engage in the program.
“This was an amazing and fantastic opportunity. I learned a lot about self-assessment, team building and how to become a more effective leader. I also made some good connections across several land-grant universities,” Nair said.
“I learned a tremendous amount about all aspects of leadership and greatly enjoyed the chance to make connections with all sorts of colleagues across the land-grant system,” Rosenbloom said.
“Lead21 was life changing for me, and I encourage more ISU faculty and extension to participate,” Shaw said. “I welcome any opportunities to speak about the Lead21 program and having the chance to teach some of the new leadership skills I have learned over the year.”
During the past 15 years 14 Iowa State faculty and staff have participated in the program and next year three faculty members are planning to join the 16thLEAD21 class, which begins in June. For more go to www.lead-21.org.