CALS Leadership Programs Update

Benjamin Disraeli, a 19th century politician, writer and philosopher, said, “Change is inevitable. Change is constant.” So it is with the leadership programs in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at NC State University. With Dr. Marshall Stewart’s departure for the University of Missouri, where he was appointed vice chancellor for extension, Dr. Ken Esbenshade was named interim director of CALS leadership programs.

Esbenshade has a long history in the college, serving as a faculty member in the Department of Animal Science, director of the Agricultural Institute, head of the Animal Science Department, and associate dean and director of academic programs for the college. He returned to the faculty of the Department of Animal Science in 2012.

As the search for a new leadership programs director progresses, Dean Rich Linton and the college’s administrative team remain committed to the five core themes of the college’s strategic plan, one of which is leadership development for students, staff, faculty and stakeholders. The position of CALS director of leadership programs will be filled in the near future, and that individual will assume the mission of preparing students, employees and stakeholders for success.

CALS leadership programs  will continue to be supported by Carol Reilly (carol_reilly@ncsu.edu). Feel free to contact her for additional information.

CALS Proud – Welcome to the Pack

Inaugural Onboarding of New Employees
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences began a new endeavor in September. All new employees were welcomed by Dean Linton, his leadership team and other administrators to learn about the college’s mission, vision and initiatives. Information about CALS and the research, teaching, outreach and international missions of the college were presented. In addition, the leaders of the college’s support units told participants about their offices’ roles and responsibilities.

CALS Proud – Staff
Another CALS Proud Staff leadership development program was held in November. This was the third group of staff to begin the Level 1 program, which focuses on five areas: building community, trust, networks, accountability and value. This will be an ongoing yearly opportunity for all of the CALS staff. The program was developed and led by a team of CALS faculty and staff including Rebecca Zuvich, Katy Wilson, Mitzi Downing, Susan Jakes, David Jones, Carol Reilly and Marshall Stewart.

CALS Proud – Faculty
A new leadership program for beginning faculty in CALS was also initiated in September.  CALS Proud – Faculty is a year-long program designed to acquaint new faculty with the CALS/NC State community, develop personal understanding and leadership potential, facilitate networking and collaborative efforts, and establish pathways for faculty success. Elements of the program include a new faculty dean’s tour in September, a two-day session this March and a concluding networking session in May. Sessions on understanding self and others, developing a professional work plan, building strong programs within a university setting, having crucial conversations with others, and appreciating the strength of diversity and inclusion will be part of the year-long program. The CALS Proud – Faculty program is co-chaired and directed by Dr. Tom Monaco and Dr. Ken Esbenshade.

Other Programs
During the interim period between permanent directors of leadership programs in the college, other programs, such as the Warren Leadership Program, the CALS/NCFB Leadership Program, and the William Neal Reynolds Professorship Leadership Program will continue, and they will be featured in the CALS Leadership Champions Newsletter in future editions.

For Additional Information
For additional information or if there are questions about CALS leadership programs, feel free to contact Dr. Ken Esbenshade (Ken_Esbenshade@ncsu.edu) or Carol Reilly (Carol_Reilly@ncsu.edu).