A May 28 application deadline has been announced for the 2015 Leadership Fort Smith class, a selection of local residents who will take part in a year-long program focusing on developing future leaders in the area.

 

A total of 25 individuals will be selected to the class from varying professions, businesses and organizations. Nominations are currently open, and anyone living or working in Fort Smith can be nominated.

 

The program, which is offered through the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, examines the Fort Smith area and educates the class on how they can improve the community. Ten monthly sessions are held from August through April, as well as opening and closing retreats and a commencement banquet.

 

Participants will involve themselves in the community, with activities including serving on boards, working with various agencies, or undertaking a community project that identifies a specific need.

 

Barbara Harvel of Fort Smith, director of LFS, said the program will educate its participants on the realities, opportunities and problems of the area.

 

“The purpose of Leadership Fort Smith is to provide a program that will build a competent leadership pool for the greater Fort Smith region, motivate emerging and existing leaders, and develop the participants for community leadership and decision making,” she said. “The desired outcome is that graduates of the program make a commitment to continue their involvement in the community.”

 

Harvel added that the program, which is beginning its 27th year, promotes one of the most important qualities for citizens to possess.

 

“Leadership is the single most important ingredient to develop a thriving and successful region,” she said. “The future of the greater Fort Smith area is more dependent than ever on our leaders’ quality, commitment and ability to work together.”

 

For more information, contact Harvel by telephone at 479-788-7810 or by email at barbara.harvel@uafs.edu.