Dr. Leonard Williams, an Associate Professor at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, recently completed the "Effective Leadership Across Sectors" program at Harvard University. This program, part of the Delta Leadership Institute, focuses on training leaders to create positive changes in their communities, particularly in the Delta region.
The four-day workshop brings together leaders from various sectors—public, private, and nonprofit—to develop skills that foster growth and innovation. Dr. Williams found this experience valuable, especially as it aligns with his research on economic development and community management.
Harvard’s Kennedy School of Executive Education, in partnership with the Delta Regional Authority (DRA), runs this program. Historically, since the program’s establishment in 2005, it has successfully improved the leadership skills and networks of participants across eight states in the Delta area.
This year, participants from Alabama to Tennessee joined the program, each bringing unique perspectives. For example, Alabama’s Nyaesia Campbell, who leads Innov8tive Strategies LLC, and Arkansas’s Hunter Sadler, who serves in Congressman French Hill’s office, highlighted the diverse backgrounds of the group.
Experts believe that training like this is crucial for regional development. According to a 2023 report from the DRA, communities that prioritize leadership development see a 30% increase in collaborative projects. This indicates that when leaders are trained effectively, communities can benefit significantly from improved decision-making and resource sharing.
After completing the program, Dr. Williams and other graduates become part of the Delta Leadership Network, which boasts around 700 members committed to collaboration and innovation. This network plays a vital role in addressing challenges facing the Delta region, ensuring that leaders are equipped to make impactful decisions that will benefit their communities for years to come.
For more on the importance of leadership in regional development, check out the DRA’s report.
Check out this related article: Unlocking Excellence: How UNLV’s Accreditation Process Enhances Your Educational Experience
Source link