Lincoln, Neb. —The LEAD Board has rescinded its COVID-19 vaccination mandate adopted in November 2021. This decision was unanimously approved Feb. 3 by the Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council Board and was based on the latest science-based COVID-19 information, as well as requirements from key partners.
“It is the responsibility of the Nebraska Agriculture Leadership Council (NALC) to prioritize the health of LEAD participants, staff, programming partners, and all those associated with the program while maintaining the integrity of the program,” said Terry Hejny, director of the Nebraska LEAD program. “Much has changed in our world in regard to COVID during the last several months, and the current policies will be in place until further notice with reviews to occur as conditions warrant.”
Hejny added, “However, for international travel, country-specific vaccinations will still be required if such is mandated for entry into yet-to-be-determined destinations.”
Fellowship applications for Nebraska LEAD (Leadership Education/Action Development) Group 42 are now available for men and women involved in production agriculture or agribusiness.
“Up to 30 motivated men and women with demonstrated leadership potential will be selected from five geographic districts across our state,” said Terry Hejny, Nebraska LEAD Program director.
In addition to monthly three-day seminars throughout Nebraska from mid-September through early April each year, Nebraska LEAD Fellows also participate in a 10-day national study/travel seminar and a two-week international study/travel seminar.
Seminar themes include leadership assessment and potential, natural resources and energy, agricultural policy, leadership through communication, Nebraska’s political process, global perspectives, nuclear energy, social issues, understanding and developing leadership skills, agribusiness and marketing, advances in health care and the resources and people of Nebraska’s Panhandle, says Hejny.
The Nebraska LEAD Program is designed to prepare the spokespersons, problem-solvers and decision makers for Nebraska and its agricultural industry.
Applications are due no later than June 15 and are available via e-mail from the Nebraska LEAD Program. Please contact the Nebraska LEAD Program office at leadprogram@unl.edu. You may also request an application by writing to 104 ACB, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 68583-0940 or by calling (402) 472-6810. You can visit www.lead.unl.edu for information about the selection process.
In its 42nd year, the program is operated by the Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council, a nonprofit organization, in collaboration with the University of Nebraska’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources and in cooperation with Nebraska colleges and universities, business and industry, and individuals throughout the state.