Justin McDaniel, agriculture and county director for Oklahoma State University Extension in McClain County graduated from the OSU Extension Leadership Academy class this month.
The program concluded with a retreat on Nov. 7 in Tulsa.
McDaniel and 16 other OSU Extension county educators, district/area specialists and Community Nutrition Education Program coordinators kicked off the course in April 2024. The program featured three overnight retreats, four webinars, practice exercises and group reports.
Graduates will participate in two leadership project follow- up meetings in 2025 for continued professional development and networking with the first class of graduates. They will also discuss project updates and how the program has improved their personal and professional lives.
The Leadership Academy provides networking and collaboration opportunities for mid-career Extension professionals through discussion, practical application of lessons and projects, and team building. Participants learn personal leadership and selfmanagement; interpersonal leadership and relationship building; decision-making, influence and big picture methodology to advance Extension; and how to foster ongoing professional growth among fellow aspiring leaders.
McDaniel’s final leadership project involves updating information and course materials for the annual OSU Extension Meat Goat Boot Camp.
“This educational event began in 2008 and includes a committee of county, district and state staff as well as industry leaders,” he said. “Some of the information needs updating to remain relevant.”
Qualified candidates for the OSU Extension Leadership Academy must have three years of Extension experience, and participation is limited to 20 individuals.
