Submitted Photo Rural Leadership North Dakota Class X visits Washington, D.C., during a seminar in March 2024. Left to right are Anna Ross, Belcourt; Lule Naas, McVille; Katie Wentz, Lisbon; Denise Andress, Mandan; Melinda Goodman, Minot; Barbara Mothershead, Rolette; AJ Andresen, Hillsboro; Hilde van Gijssel, Valley City; James Zorn, Cavalier; Kyle Klapper, Hillsboro; Emily Ptacek, Verona; Brandon Baity, Moorhead; Heather Schneider, Grand Forks; Christie Jaeger, Esmond; Trinity Nelson, Valley City; and Katie Tyler, Fargo. Photo from NDSU.

FARGO – Rural Leadership North Dakota, a North Dakota State University Extension leadership development program, has announced the selection of its 11th class. RLND is designed to empower individuals from across the state, fostering their growth as leaders for rural communities and equipping them to navigate agricultural and rural policy issues as well as emerging trends that may shape North Dakota’s future.

Class XI comprises 17 individuals representing a wide range of backgrounds, including agriculture, education, rural development and community leadership. The cohort begins its 18-month leadership journey in November.

Among those selected for the class are Brian Palmer, public school superintendent in Bottineau; Janell Jerome, ARPA funding coordinator, Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, Belcourt; Jonnah Lee, account manager, Ten Acre Marketing, Velva; and Taylor Kittelson, Western Area Health Education Center director for Mayville State University, of Velva. All have been involved in a variety of areas in their communities or local and statewide organizations.

Class XI participants will engage in seven in-state seminars that include agricultural and agribusiness tours, community development site visits and immersive sessions on public policy, leadership and rural innovation. Beyond the state, participants will attend a regional seminar, a national seminar in Washington, D.C., and an international study tour. These experiences broaden participants’ perspectives on agriculture, governance and rural development across local, national and global contexts. Through this exposure, participants develop the adaptability, insight and strategic vision necessary to lead in an increasingly interconnected and evolving rural landscape, according to NDSU Extension.

Since its inception, the program has graduated more than 190 individuals who continue to make significant contributions in agriculture, business, education, rural development and public service across North Dakota. Admission to RLND remains highly competitive, requiring a formal application and interview process. Applications for Class XII will open in the spring of 2027.

Funding for the RLND program is provided by NDSU Extension, participant tuition fees and the support of agribusinesses, farm organizations, program alumni and others committed to leadership in rural North Dakota. The total cost to support one participant through the program is approximately $16,000. Each Class XI participant will contribute $4,500 in tuition, with the remaining costs covered by sponsors.