By Blake Jackson
The University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment will launch a certificate in agricultural leadership in Spring 2025.
This program aims to equip students with essential leadership skills and practical experiences, preparing them for diverse roles within the agriculture sector.
Funded by a generous $100 million gift from The Bill Gatton Foundation in 2023, the initiative reflects Bill Gatton's vision of experiential learning as a gateway to success and innovation.
“Students will see how having a foundation in leadership, teamwork and collaboration are transferable skills towards advancing in the agriculture industry and beyond. Leading, serving and supporting are all critical skills no matter where you are and where you are going,” said Savannah Robin, lecturer for career and professional development within the Department of Agricultural Economics at Martin-Gatton CAFE. “The electives are transdisciplinary, making them accessible and value adding, setting up students to be successful in many areas.”
The 12-credit-hour certificate is open to all students and majors, offering a curriculum designed to foster well-rounded professionals. It includes three core courses in leadership foundations, experience, and applications, alongside two elective courses one focused on leadership and another on communication.
The foundational leadership course, delivered asynchronously, will cover teamwork, conflict resolution, and personal leadership development through an agricultural perspective.
The experiential course allows students to apply their skills in real-world settings, such as internships or volunteer roles.
“We want to work with students to curate a valuable leadership experience that will allow them to get the most out of the certificate,” said Emily Roe Brown, Kentucky Agricultural Leadership Program coordinator.
In the capstone leadership applications course, students will participate in case studies and engage with industry professionals to address current agricultural challenges.
Elective options include subjects like agricultural law, human resource management, food policy, and persuasive communication.
Graduates of this program will gain expertise in project management, critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication. “We will explore leadership styles to help you determine how to apply skills in different situations,” Brown explained. “We want to equip you to be a dynamic leader and team player.”
The program reflects the college's commitment to developing future leaders in agriculture and beyond.
Photo Credit: university-of-kentucky
Categories: Kentucky, Education