Eastern Leaders Academy has opened applications for its next leadership development cohort, offering emerging leaders in Carbon and Emery counties a nine-month program designed to foster community unity and professional growth. The academy, which limits enrollment to 14 members annually, provides participants with tools to evaluate complex local issues and build high-level professional connections.
Monthly Leadership Curriculum
The academy's curriculum is structured around monthly "Impact Days" that focus on diverse community sectors. According to the program's details, the schedule begins in September with a kickoff retreat to introduce foundational principles and allow participants to meet fellow members.
In October, the academy hosts a two-day leadership summit for an in-depth exploration of leadership principles. Following the summit, November's sessions focus on service enterprises, foundations, and organizations within Carbon and Emery counties. The program continues in December with a focus on the complexities of education from birth to career, followed by a January session dedicated to community health and wellness featuring local health professionals.
Spring Program Schedule
The spring portion of the academy includes a trip to the Utah State Capitol in Salt Lake City for Government Day in February. This excursion allows members to experience a day during the legislative session.
Subsequent monthly themes include economic growth and development in March, parks, recreation, and tourism in April, and a celebration of arts, culture, and belonging in May. The program concludes in May with a graduation ceremony for the completed cohort.
Membership and Costs
Participation in the academy requires a $1,500 membership fee for the full year, which covers the two-day leadership summit in October and the two-day trip to Salt Lake City for State Government Days in February. The program also offers a limited number of scholarships for those interested in joining the Utah State University Eastern learning community.
Local Leadership Support
The academy is guided by a group of local leaders known as "Champions." These individuals work with program staff to guide the design and implementation of the academy, ensuring that participant selection and impact days remain intentional.
Notable champions include Jess Brinkerhoff, Director of Athletics at Utah State University Eastern, and Barbie Haeck, Executive Director of the Carbon County Chamber. Other leaders assisting in the program's development include Jana Hopes of Carbon Print and Design, Scottie Kraync of AJB Broadcasting, Laurie Molinar of Real Estate Titans, Merlin Rushton of Rocky Mountain Power, and Shanny Wilson, the Economic Development and Tourism Director for Carbon County.
Program Objectives
The Eastern Leaders Academy aims to empower individuals to become changemakers and unifiers within their communities. By participating, members gain the knowledge base and leadership capabilities required to affect positive change while expanding their professional circle of influence.
University Affiliation
The program is part of the broader community engagement efforts at Utah State University Eastern, led by Brad Watson, the Director of Community and Campus Engagement.
