LEAD95 is a comprehensive training program designed for County Extension Directors. The objectives of the program are to:
- increase competency,
- increase job satisfaction, and
- establish consistent leadership and direction across the Tennessee Extension system.
Program Requirements
Face-to-face sessions are held during each quarter. Sessions are 2 days long and held in the Nashville/Franklin area. At these sessions, county directors network with their peers and with administrators as they gain knowledge and develop new skills. These sessions provide time to reflect and learn from peers in a relaxed setting. They also enable county directors to step away from daily responsibilities and see their work through a broader lens. Content is focused on leadership and current/upcoming responsibilities.
Overview of Training Topics by Session
Modules are available on a wide variety of topics that county administrators need – such as communication skills, financial accounts, etc.; and these can be accessed and completed at your individual pace/convenience for professional development credit. Modules are accessed through the K@TE online learning system All online courses completed in K@TE receive training credit, which is reported to SUPER.
The LEAD95 Toolkit is aimed at having information that County Directors need and use frequently all in one place. It is searchable by keywords to help you find what you are looking for, and we continue to add to it as resources are developed and/or requested.
Click Here to Access the LEAD95 Toolkit (netID and password required)
The Leadership Competencies in Extension Assessment is a 360 degree feedback system that will provide County Directors with the perspective of the importance of and their level of proficiency in 81 competencies in six skill areas that have been identified for County Directors.
- Human skills
- Conceptual skills
- Technical skills
- Communication skills
- Emotional intelligence skills
- Industry knowledge skills
Raters will include the Regional Director, Direct Reports (county staff), Peers (other County Directors), and Stakeholders (community leaders such as the County Mayor). The LCE is conducted in the fall after a County Director has been in his or her role for at least 6 months.
New County Directors are assigned an experienced County Director mentor who will serve as a resource for administrative responsibilities of the County Director role.
Background
LEAD95 was developed as an initiative from the UT Extension 2010-2020 Strategic Plan and launched in 2016.
An initiative team made up of County Directors conducted a needs assessment using a Delphi study to obtain input from county
employees representing different program areas and roles across the state. After completing the environmental
scan and needs assessment, the team developed and identified resources to address training needs.
Team Leader
Janet Cluck, County Director, Dickson County
Team Members
Theresa Allan, Extension Agent, Sumner County
Bob Ary, County Director, Sumner County
Greg Austin, County Director, Monroe County
Walter Battle, County Director, Haywood County
Tim Campbell, Extension Agent, Dyer County
Shannon DeWitt, County Director, Union County
Chris Hicks, County Director, Smith County
Jerry Lamb, County Director, Rhea County
Becky Muller, County Director, Tipton County
Allisen Penn, Regional FCS Program Leader, Central Region
John Ricketts, Assistant Professor, Tennessee State University
Jeff Via, County Director, Fayette County
Tim Woods, County Director, McMinn County
Ex Officio
Shirley Hastings, UT Extension Strategic Planning
Brandi Berven, UT Extension Strategic Planning
How to Enroll in LEAD95
LEAD95 is required for all new County Directors and is open to current County Directors. Once a County Director has been appointed, the Regional Director will contact the Staff Development Specialist in the department of Extension Evaluation & Staff Development to enroll in the LEAD95 program. New County Directors will begin the program with the next upcoming quarterly session.
Current County Directors wishing to complete LEAD95 should discuss with their Regional Director. Current County Directors will begin LEAD95 at the next summer quarterly session.
