Leadership Academy Opens Enrollment

The Commissioners Court Leadership Academy is now accepting enrollment applications.
The Academy, a two-year advanced leadership development program for commissioners court members, is sponsored by Texas Cooperative Extension’s V.G. Young Institute of County Government. The Academy graduated its inaugural class in August 2006.
“The first Academy class was a great success, and we are looking forward to welcoming a new group of judges and commissioners seeking to enhance their leadership skills,” said Rick Avery, director of the Institute.
The Academy assists county judges and commissioners in fulfilling their potential as leaders. By enhancing their leadership skills, Academy participants are better equipped to meet the needs of their counties and also learn important leadership lessons that will serve them for a lifetime, Avery said.
“The Academy was a wonderful learning experience,” said Hopkins County Commissioner Beth Wisenbaker, a member of the inaugural class. “Through this class, I learned the art of leadership.”
The class will be selected through a competitive application process with a limited number of participants. The program includes four multi-day sessions spanning a two-year period. Three sessions will be conducted throughout Texas, and one session will take place in Washington, D.C. Tuition for the Academy may be paid over two budget years.
The V.G. Young Institute of County Government is a part of Texas Cooperative Extension and The Texas A&M University System. Located in College Station, the Institute works to meet the educational needs of county officials and the public by anticipating, identifying and addressing the challenges and opportunities faced by Texas county government.
Academy applications are available on the Web site or by calling 979-845-4572. For more information on the Commissioners Court Leadership Academy or other V.G. Young Institute of County Government programs, visit http://vgyi.tamu.edu.