Extension Organizational Development (EOD) is excited to announce a new Summer 2026 Professional Development Series designed to support Extension employees in strengthening leadership skills, improving workplace communication, and building positive team cultures across North Carolina.
The training series, scheduled throughout June, July, and August, was developed in response to feedback gathered from the EOD Advisory Council and Campus Extension Training needs assessment surveys. The series focuses on several key areas identified by employees as important for professional growth, including communication, conflict navigation, workplace culture, and sustainable work practices.
“Our goal is to provide meaningful professional development opportunities that directly support the work our Extension employees do every day,” said Dave Herpy, Extension Organizational Development Coordinator. “These trainings are designed to help individuals strengthen essential leadership and communication skills while also fostering stronger teams and positive workplace cultures across the organization.”
Summer 2026 Training Opportunities
The Summer Professional Development Series will feature a mix of in-person workshops and virtual learning sessions, allowing employees across the state to participate in ways that best fit their schedules.
Thrive Together Virtual Training Series – Session 1
June 12 | Virtual | 1 Hour
Leading with Purpose (Even Without a Title)
This session will explore how individuals can demonstrate leadership behaviors regardless of their role or title, focusing on influence, collaboration, and leading from where you are.
Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue
June 15–16 | In-Person | 2-Day Training
This interactive training will help participants develop the skills needed to navigate high-stakes conversations with confidence. Participants will learn strategies for speaking honestly and respectfully, addressing conflict productively, and building trust within teams.
Thrive Together Virtual Training Series – Session 2
July 10 | Virtual | 1 Hour
Building Community Through Peer Learning
This session will highlight the power of peer learning networks within Extension, encouraging employees to share best practices and build collaborative connections across counties and program areas.
The FISH! Philosophy: Creating Positive Team Culture
July 15 | In-Person | 3-Hour Workshop
Based on the world famous FISH! Philosophy, this engaging workshop will focus on creating positive workplace cultures through the practices of Be There, Play, Make Their Day, and Choose Your Attitude. Participants will explore practical ways to strengthen team engagement and build supportive work environments.
Thrive Together Virtual Training Series – Session 3
August 10 | Virtual | 1 Hour
Protecting Your Time & Energy in Extension
The final session will focus on sustainable work practices, including prioritization strategies, setting healthy boundaries, and managing workloads effectively.
Supporting Professional Growth Across Extension
The Summer Professional Development Series reflects EOD’s continued commitment to supporting leadership development, employee engagement, and organizational effectiveness throughout the Extension system.
By offering a mix of in-person and virtual learning opportunities, the series aims to create accessible and impactful development experiences for Extension employees statewide.
Registration and session details are available in XLMS.
