The Nebraska LEAD Program is excited to introduce a new micro-credential in partnership with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR). This digital badge will be awarded to Nebraska LEAD Fellows in recognition of their comprehensive exploration of agricultural leadership, communication and global perspectives—essential competencies for advancing agriculture and strengthening rural communities.
This micro-credential can be earned upon successful completion of the two-year Nebraska LEAD Program, which includes 12 intensive seminars across Nebraska, a 10-day national study/travel seminar and a two-week international study/travel seminar. Nebraska LEAD Class 42 will be the first cohort to receive this distinction during their graduation ceremony on March 21.
“The Nebraska LEAD Program has long been recognized for its ability to cultivate informed and engaged leaders in agriculture,” said Kurtis Harms, director of the Nebraska LEAD Program. “This micro-credential offers an exciting new way for our graduates to showcase their leadership development and the skills they’ve gained through our immersive learning experiences.”
The digital badge, administered by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, provides official recognition of the Nebraska LEAD Program’s rigorous curriculum and the professional competencies its graduates develop.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Nebraska LEAD Program to offer this micro-credential,” said Dr. Tiffany Heng-Moss, Dean of UNL’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. “Micro-credentials and digital badges are becoming increasingly valuable in today’s workforce, giving individuals a way to demonstrate their expertise and continuous learning. This initiative highlights the commitment of both CASNR and Nebraska LEAD to equipping agricultural leaders with the tools they need to succeed.”
The Nebraska LEAD Program was established in 1981 with the mission of developing agriculture leaders from Nebraska’s farming, ranching and agribusiness sectors. Over the past four decades, the program has graduated nearly 1,200 fellows who have gone on to serve in leadership roles at the local, state, national and international levels. The two-year program offers participants a unique blend of education, travel and personal development opportunities, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to lead in a rapidly changing world.
For more information, or to request an application for Nebraska LEAD 44 which begins in the fall of 2025, contact the Nebraska LEAD Program online at lead.unl.edu. The application deadline is June 15.
