Extension Emerging Leadership Initiative (EELI)

The Extension Emerging Leadership Initiative (EELI) is a professional development opportunity for Extension professionals who are dedicated to fulfilling Extension’s mission. Extension professionals who have the highest ethical standards and have demonstrated potential as future leaders will be selected to participate. The program will select up to 20 professionals that are either at the county or state level with a minimum of three years of experience with Extension.

Research from the Journal of Extension indicates that during the past decade, most public and private organizations, including the Cooperative Extension Service, are facing an era of leadership scarcity that could impact the ability to execute the mission and purpose. Thousands of baby boomers retire each day, and in an effort to prevent loss of skilled leadership, this program is being implemented to equip future leaders as the veteran agents, specialists, and administrators prepare for retirement.

Purpose
Mission
Objectives
Eligibility
Application Criteria
Level I
EELI 2.0
Class of '21-'22
The Inaugural Class
The Steering Committee
Bookshelf

To provide leadership and professional development training and experiences that will foster success in future leaders.

To develop a core group of successful leaders for Clemson Extension that will inspire, have vision and impact, and assist in moving the organization forward to meet the Extension mission.

Deon Legette and Dr. Thomas Dobbins with Frank Lever III

Provide opportunities for personal growth and career development
Enhance leaders’ roles at a higher level of excellence
Promote cohesion and team building among leaders
Promote and practice interpersonal skills in relevant situations
Provide tools and skills to enhance leadership

Must be a professional full-time employee (37.5 hours per week) with a minimum Bachelor’s degree and at least three full years of Extension work experience.

County Extension Agent or Extension Associate with at least a 50% Extension appointment are eligible. CAFLS professional staff and faculty with three years of service are also eligible to apply. Retired Extension professionals are not eligible.

Must have received at least a SUCCESSFUL on the EPMS for the last three rating periods and received no written or progressive disciplinary actions through Human Resources within the last two years.

Applicants can nominate themselves, be nominated by a District Extension Director, Program Team Leader, Department Chair or direct supervisor. Supervisor must sign to acknowledge awareness of the nomination.

There is no monetary incentive for participating in this program. It is for professional development and leadership opportunities.

If selected, applicants must agree to continue to fulfill regular job duties during the period of involvement in the Extension Emerging Leadership Initiative.

Must complete and fulfill the program requirements as outlined each month.

Final selection of the 20 class participants will be based on quality and competitiveness of each application. The selection committee’s decision is final, and a rubric will be used to provide a fair score for each application. Participation and graduation from this initiative does not guarantee a leadership role or position within the organization.

Selected participants will be notified two weeks after the application deadline.

Class attendance is mandatory (unless approved for extenuating circumstances). If sessions are missed, class participants will not be allowed to graduate from the program and will not be eligible to advance to EELI 2.0.

Level I Topics

Personality Assessments
Effective Communication Styles
Conflict Management/Resolution
Team Building
Servant Leadership
Diversity and Inclusion
Principles of Leadership
Leadership Integrity and Ethics
Time Management
Public Policy/Advocacy
Organizational Culture

EELI 2.0

EELI 2.0 will focus on applying the knowledge and skills gained in Level I. EELI 2.0 is open only to those that have completed Level I.

Activities in EELI 2.0

Independent study – shadow or intern with a leader for at least 20 hours. Participants will be asked to share a summary of their experience at the opening class session. Your selected leader may work within Extension or outside of the organization.

*Monthly Accountability Conference Call/Coaching Sessions

*EELI 2.0 Class Sessions - 4 two-day sessions

Attendance is required.

These two-day sessions will begin at 9:00 am on the first day, and 8:00 am on the second day, ending by 3:00 pm (in various parts of the state). Overnight travel should be expected for most sessions.

Sessions will include interactive activities, case studies, scenarios, demonstrations, tours, etc.

Sessions are planned in various parts of the state. Location will depend on activities for the month.

Class Dates

September 8 and 9, 2021 – Clemson University

November 3, 2021 – Greenville, CU-ICAR

January 12 and 13, 2022 – Sandhill REC, Columbia

March 9 and 10, 2022 – SC State University

April 6, 2022 - Graduation – location TBA

Class of '21-'22

Clemson Extension and CAFLS

Lance Beecher, Asst Extension Specialist, CAFLS

Jeremy Greene, Professor of Entomology, CAFLS