iLEAD Session on Ethics, Issues, and Education

by Lisa Davis - September 28, 2021

iLEAD Cohort I received an introduction to ethical leadership, challenges, and opportunities facing the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, as well as the differences between leaders and managers, in their virtual session held Sept. 17, 2021.

Division of Agriculture leaders Dr. Jean-Francois Mullineaux, senior associate vice president-research, and Dr. Bob Scott, senior associate vice president-extension, shared information with the group about the Division's opportunities and challenges including technology and equipment, funding, and human capital. Both noted the Division currently has numerous positions available. (See job listings here.)

Dr. Kristi Farner, a staff development specialist with the University of Georgia, discussed the difference between management and leadership.

“Each has its own function and characteristic activities. The real challenge is to combine strong leadership and strong management and use each to balance the other," she said.

Dr. Karen Ballard, program and staff development professor within the Division of Agriculture, provided information about ethical leadership. iLEAD Cohort I members were also introduced by Ashley Henderson, program specialist, to the Workday Learn program.

iLEAD is an internal Division leadership program created to help participants identify and address real-world challenges facing the organization. The iLEAD program fosters a trusting, collaborative learning environment for the support of leadership skill development. The program's goal is to provide professional development opportunities to support employee retention.

“iLEAD instructional goals and targeted outcomes include strengthening retention and programmatic efforts, while supporting internal leadership development aligned with the land-grant mission,” said Dr. Julie Robinson, associate professor and iLEAD director.

 The next session will be held October 14-15, 2021, in northeast Arkansas.