FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Leslie Edgar, associate professor of agricultural communications in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas, delivered the commencement address at the LEAD21 Class X graduation ceremony last week in Washington, D.C.

LEAD21, short for Leadership for the 21st Century, is a development program for faculty, specialists, program and team leaders, research station and center directors, district and regional directors, department heads, chairs and others in leadership positions in land grant universities' colleges of agricultural, environmental and human sciences, and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

The program develops leaders at land grant institutions and their strategic partners so they can more effectively link research, academics and extension services.

"It was an honor and a privilege to represent the college and the university while completing this training," said Edgar. "It was instrumental in allowing me to learn more about my strengths, limitations and opportunities for improvement as a leader. I cannot thank Dean Vayda enough for his support in allowing me to complete this endeavor. It is truly an honor to work in an environment that values human capital so immensely."

The program enhances application of skills and knowledge in five core competencies: developing self and others, leading with integrity and values, resolving conflict, fostering collaboration and managing change. It also focuses on four secondary areas: communicating effectively, valuing diversity, developing a deeper knowledge and appreciation of higher education, and developing and managing resources.

Edgar, who is also the Bumpers College's director of international programs, completed the one-year Class X program with three on-site sessions in addition to independent learning sessions. Edgar completed a session on developing as a leader in Minneapolis in June; a second session on strengths, weaknesses and strategies in Kansas City in October; and the third on developing personal leadership roles in the land grant system in Washington, D.C., last week.

"I am very pleased that Dr. Edgar was recognized by her peers as 'a leader among leaders' in being selected to present the LEAD 21 commencement address," said Vayda. "She is a true asset to the Bumpers College and the University of Arkansas."

Edgar received her bachelor's degree in animal science in 2000 and her master's degree in agriculture systems, technology and education in 2002, both from Utah State University. She earned her doctorate in agricultural leadership, education and communications from Texas A&M University in 2007.

A maximum of 75 participants were selected to participate in Class X with no more than 25 in each of the three cohort locations.

About the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences: Bumpers College provides life-changing opportunities to position and prepare graduates who will be leaders in the businesses associated with foods, family, the environment, agriculture, sustainability and human quality of life; and who will be first-choice candidates of employers looking for leaders, innovators, policy makers and entrepreneurs. The college is named for Dale Bumpers, former Arkansas governor and longtime U.S. senator who made the state prominent in national and international agriculture.

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among only 2 percent of universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.