Leadership development is critical for the success of N.C. Cooperative Extension. Extension Organizational Development (EOD) works with partners across the organization, college, and university to provide leadership development programs for employees at all levels and in all roles within the organization. The following is a list of current and future leadership development programs:

• The Dr. Richard T. Liles Leadership Seminar Series is hosted in honor of Dr. Richard T. Liles. During his thirty-six year career at North Carolina State University, Dr. Liles served with distinction in a variety of significant leadership roles. Dr. Richard T. Liles Leadership Seminar Series will be held on the third Friday of every month from 9:00-10:00 a.m. virtually via Zoom. Dates, topics, and guest speakers include:
  • Friday, 8/16 – Building the Vision for Transformational Change with Dr. Mitch Owen, CEO of Mitchen Incorporated
    • Link to recording.  (Access Password: 11a$BMT@)
  • Friday, 9/20 – Leading Change, Leading Transformation with Dr. Marshall Stewart, Senior Vice President for Executive Affairs, University Engagement & Partnerships and Chief of Staff at Kansas State University
    • Link to recording (Access Password: Vek7B!mH)
  • Friday, 11/15 – Inspiring & Influencing with Dr. Nolo Martinez, Founder and Co-President of mano-Y-ola LLC.
    • Link to recording (Access Password: b+v?BF&3)
  • Friday, 12/20 – Effective Communication Strategies for Extension Leaders with Dr. Valorie McAlpin, Former Director, Center for Teaching and Learning at UNC Charlotte, Former Associate Dean, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at University of Maryland College Park, and Former Director of Communications for College of Agriculture at NC A&T State University.
    • Link to recording (Access Password: ^8hyhQ3B)
• The Academy to Advance Leadership within Extension (AALE) is a rigorous program to cultivate and promote the development of personnel within North Carolina Cooperative Extension and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at North Carolina State University who are affiliated with Extension. The second cohort launched in January 2026. Plans are to continue offering future cohorts every few years.

In addition to these leadership development programs, there are many other leadership programs available internally within the university and externally outside the university.  The following is a list of leadership development programs.

Internal Leadership Development Programs

• Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) - LEAD equips today’s leaders with the tools and skills for tomorrow’s challenges. Engage with diverse methods of self-directed learning including online courses, group discussions, monthly challenges and more. Presented by University HR's Learning & Organizational Development.
• Shelton Leadership Forum -The Shelton Leadership Forum is offered through the Shelton Leadership Center and administered by the NC State Office of the Provost. As Executive Director, General H. Hugh Shelton is committed to developing values-based leaders and bringing together inter-generational audiences from diverse professional backgrounds to create a more dynamic dialogue.
  • NC State Extension is proud to partner with the Shelton Leadership Center as an Official Gold sponsor of the 23rd Shelton Leadership Forum on Friday, October 18, 2024. As an Official Gold Sponsor, we have the ability to host viewing parties for team and community members to watch the forum via livestream.

External Leadership Development Programs

• Center for Creative Leadership  - Leadership Programs
• LearnLoft  - Ultimate Leadership Academy
• Kevin Eikenberry Group - Bud to Boss
• John Maxwell  - Maxwell Leadership Courses
• LinkedIn Learning  - The Top 15 Most Popular Courses: Leadership Edition

For questions or more information about leadership programs, contact Dave Herpy, EOD Coordinator, at 919-515-3387 or via email djherpy@ncsu.edu.