Leadership program continues its mission of strengthening Kansas agriculture and rural communities
K-State Extension news service
MANHATTAN, Kan. – The Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership program recently celebrated the graduation of Class XVII while welcoming 30 new members selected for Class XVIII, which program officials say marks “a transition that will shape the next generation of leaders in Kansas agriculture and rural communities.”
KARL President Jill Zimmerman said 28 members of Class XVII completed the program’s two-year leadership curriculum and were recognized during graduation ceremonies held June 6. The ceremony marked their transition from Associates to Fellows, joining a network of more than 500 KARL alumni across Kansas and beyond.
“These Kansas change-makers are connected for life to KARL and the extended network,” Zimmerman said.
Class XVIII, announced the same day, includes 30 Kansans who will start the two-year shared leadership experience later this year.
“This is an exciting time for the KARL program,” Zimmerman said. “”KARL identifies, prepares and connects leaders who are committed to strengthening Kansas agriculture and rural communities,” Zimmerman said. “Through shared experiences, we build relationships and broaden perspectives that help our Fellows lead more effectively in their industries, communities and families.”
Zimmerman said the early June graduation was the capstone for the current class and the kickoff event for the next cohort. This event introduces Associates, offers networking, and begins the two-year experience.
“Interest in KARL continues to grow,” Zimmerman said. “Class XVIII was selected from one of the largest and most competitive applicant pools in program history.”
Keynote speaker Mary Snapp, a Kansas native and a former Microsoft executive and longtime leader in innovation and philanthropy, shared insights on the rise of artificial intelligence and its implications for rural America and agriculture.
“Class XVII has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to personal growth, leadership and service, and we congratulate them on this achievement,” said Barry Purdy, chairman of the KARL Board of Directors. “We are equally excited to welcome Class XVIII and invest in the next generation of leaders who will help shape the future of Kansas agriculture and rural communities.”
During the two-year program, Associates participate in 52 seminar days across Kansas, a national study tour to Washington, D.C., the Gettysburg Leadership Experience, a domestic study tour and an international study tour designed to broaden their understanding of leadership, public policy, agriculture and global issues.
Zimmerman said that members of Class XVIII will travel to Egypt for their international study tour.
The list of KARL Class XVII Fellows (graduates), in alphabetical order by hometown, includes:
- Anthony – Juliana Whisman
- Baldwin City – Kaleb Horne
- Buhler – Ryan Boggs
- Cawker City – Colleen Eberle
- Cheney – Tyler Cramer
- Claflin – Courtney Beran
- Colby – Jenny Niblock
- Dodge City – Mollea Lightner and Paige Harding
- Goessel – Maddy Meier
- Hanover – Aubrie Schaefer
- Hiawatha – Trevor Pederson
- Inman – Nichole Gouldie
- Manhattan – Marsha Boswell, Dena Bunnel, Edie Lanza, Adam Jimison, Janae McKinney and Lauren Moylan
- Minneapolis – Justine Johns
- Oketo – Jerrod Prebyl
- Overland Park – Lucas Simmer
- Phillipsburg – Bailey Miller
- Russell – Mike Parsons
- Salina – Clinton Glaser
- Sharon Springs – Lisa Schemm
- Topeka – Megan Anguiano and Ryan Gilliand.
The list of KARL Class XVIII Associates includes:
- Ashland – Jordan Koons
- Beloit – Blaire Todd
- Benton – Ann Brackenridge
- Bucyrus – Hayden Guetterman
- Cheney – Sam Reno
- Clay Center – Annelle Chestnut
- Dodge City – Ryan Ausmus
- Hanover – Adrianne Tabrina Meyer
- Harper – Cole Koster
- Hope – Johanna Anderes
- Hugoton – Zachary Lewis
- Independence – Trisha Purdon
- Ingalls – Sydney Flax
- Lawrence – Sanders Williams
- Manhattan – Caroline Kolins, Heather Culwell and Jenna Goetzmann
- Maple Hill – Sarah Gideon
- Norton – Mason Schulze
- Overbrook – Jessica R Flory
- Pittsburg – Carrie Lance and Matt Bacon
- Riley – Taylor Williamson
- Scott City – Abram Wiebe
- Spring Hill – Kyler Jost
- Sterling – Nate Hiatt
- Topeka – J.W. Wells
- Vermillion – Casey Plumberg
- Wichita – Andy Buessing and Zachary Gonsalves
Founded in 1989, KARL develops and connects leaders who are committed to strengthening Kansas agriculture, rural communities and the state. More than 500 Fellows have completed the program and continue to serve in leadership roles across Kansas and beyond.
For more information about KARL, call Zimmerman at 785-532-6300, email karl@ksu.edu or visit the KARL website at https://karlprogram.com/.
