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KARL leadership program opens applications for newest class

Board sets April 1 deadline

Jan. 13, 2022

MANHATTAN, Kan. – A program that helps to develop leaders for agriculture, business and rural communities is now accepting applications for its newest class, which will be announced this summer.

Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership is an intensive two-year program designed for those engaged with agriculture and rural Kansas. Program officials said applications will be accepted through April 1, and KARL Class XVI will be announced in June.

“Agriculture and rural Kansas constantly face new and unique challenges, and there is a need for individuals who have leadership skills to serve in decision-making positions,” said KARL president Jill Zimmerman.

“Graduates of the program become part of a network and have gone on to serve in legislative bodies, farm and commodity organizations, agribusiness, community entities and their local communities, which is vital for the future of Kansas. Participants engage in a series of seminars throughout the state, domestic and international study tours, Washington, D.C., Gettysburg (Pennsylvania).”

Zimmerman said KARL invests more than 400 hours of intensive training per person in seminars, speakers and domestic and international study tours over two years.

KARL got its start in 1989 when a group of individuals representing various segments of Kansas agriculture met to discuss the need and potential for an extensive educational program designed to build a leadership base for the state’s agriculture and related industries. The first class of 30 participants began leadership development training in 1991. Since then, more than 440 participants have completed the program.

From the field of applicants, a list of finalists will be interviewed by a selection committee in May and the class roster will be announced in June. Zimmerman said upon completing the program, class members will demonstrate leadership potential and willingness to serve in decision-making roles.

The KARL program is a member of the International Association of Programs for Agricultural Leaders (IAPAL), represented in 40 states and multiple countries. For more information about KARL, call Zimmerman at 785-532- 6300, email karl@ksu.edu or visit the KARL website at http://karlprogram.com.

At a glance

The board for the Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership program has set an April 1 deadline to receive applications for its next class, which will be announced in June.

Website

Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership

Notable quote

“Agriculture and rural Kansas constantly face new and unique challenges, and there is a need for individuals who have leadership skills to serve in decision-making positions."

— Jill Zimmerman, president, Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership

Source

Jill Zimmerman
jazimmer@ksu.edu
620-326-0369

Written by

Susan Sankey
ssankey@ksu.edu

For more information: 

Application, KARL Class XVI

 

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