North Central Extension Leadership Development (NELD)

The North Central Extension Leadership Development (NELD) program's mission is to build leaders throughout extension networks at all levels and provide them with the vision, courage, and tools to lead in a changing world.

NELD provides opportunities for current and future extension leaders and administrators to:

• Develop a better understanding of self and enhance personal effectiveness through assessments, coaching, feedback, individual goal setting.
• Learn, apply and reflect on effective leadership, organizational collaboration, and change concepts and strategies.
• Strengthen competence in decision making, improve effectiveness of extension programming and promote life-long learning.
• Broaden understanding of extension on a local, state, and national level.
• Build a more robust national extension network.

Your 2026 host

Kansas State University is excited to be the 2026 host, building on a 35-year tradition of NELD. As members of the North Central Extension network, we are proud to facilitate the next iteration of NELD, with the Staley School of Leadership convening the work.

Who should participate?

NELD is made for regional extension professionals in these states: North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio.

Who leads the workshops?

Professionals with regional expertise lead the workshops. Selected extension professionals have been identified as people who can share the future of the state and region.

When and where?

NELD 2026 will use a hybrid approach of delivery, giving participants a rich high tech/high touch experience. It will include three virtual workshops and three in-person sessions for experiential learning. In-person workshops will take place April, July and October 2026. Final locations will be announced soon.

Curriculum focus

• Adaptive leadership
• Leadership coaching
• CliftonStrengths assessment
• Systems-thinking
• Co-created success stories and public narrative

Program highlights

• Hybrid Learning Approach: NELD offers a dynamic and engaging learning experience by combining virtual and in-person elements. Participants can expect a high tech/high touch approach that maximizes their development.
• Expert-Led Workshops: Participate in a variety of leadership workshops led by highly qualified and talented instructors.
• Experiential In-Person Sessions: The in-person sessions are designed to take your understanding to the next level. Dive deeper into leadership concepts and gain practical experience that enriches your leadership experience.
• Practical Skill Application: Solidify your understanding of leadership concepts through skill practice, small group discussions, experiential learning activities, and structured personal reflection. It's not just theory; it's hands-on development.
• Expand Your Network: Build lasting connections and friendships with extension colleagues from the North Central States. Through this network, you'll gain additional leadership insights, mentoring, and encouragement, enriching your professional journey.
• Cohort Connections: A series of live, virtual workshops that invite robust conversations and provide an exciting opportunity to connect with your peers before and between sessions.
• Digital Resources: Access leadership assignments, videos, and other valuable resources online by utilizing platforms like Zoom, Canvas, and our NELD cohort Facebook group. Don't forget to bring your smartphones and laptops for added interactivity during in-person sessions.

Questions?

Stay tuned for updates on this website and in K-State Today (visit the K-State Today website). For questions, email leadership@ksu.edu.