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The participant must have an acute awareness of rural issues
obtained through agricultural production, agribusiness or related occupations,
or have significant involvement in rural or community development activities.
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On January 1 preceding the start of a class for which the
application is to be considered, the candidate must be 25 years of age or older.
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Participants should have demonstrated leadership qualities
and potential as evidenced by community and organizational activities reflected
within the application.
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If the applicant is not self-employed, in view of the time
that will be spent away from the job required by participation in the program,
the applicant must have the approval of his/her employer in writing. (Note: An
"Employer Commitment" form will be provided for this purpose later in the
application process.)
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Self-employed applicants should make a serious effort to
assess the impact of absence from his/her enterprise for the necessary amount of
time.
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The applicant’s character, reputation and personal life, as
evidenced by references or other inquiry, must be of high quality, reflecting
potential leadership capability to represent Arkansas.
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A pre-application form is to be completed by the applicant
for each class. Following an initial screening, candidates will be provided with
a formal application and complete instructions.
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The spouse’s supporting application statements should give
evidence of genuine interest and willingness to support the candidate during the
two-year leadership program and in future endeavors. (Note: A "Supporting
Application by Spouse" form will be provided for this purpose later in the
application process.)
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Evaluation of the candidate’s several responses on the
application regarding the reasons for wishing to participate in the program and
the applicant’s comments on problems facing rural Arkansas will show careful,
logical thought and sincerity.
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Each candidate will be evaluated in terms of the applicant’s
potential contribution to Arkansas through growth and experience gained from the
program.
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Candidates will be evaluated for evidence that the nature
and scope of their concerns range beyond self-interest and narrow perspectives.
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Each candidate will be considered in terms of potential
ability to participate meaningfully in the academic seminars, outside reading
and interviews, written assignments for the program and establishment/completion
of goal(s) before graduation. Some evaluation of the applicant’s communicative
skills may be ascertained from the essay portion of the application and from
contact through personal and telephone interviews of the candidate.
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The participant must secure letters of recommendation from
community leaders that indicate the performance expected of them resulting from
the LeadAR experience. (Note: A "LeadAR Recommendation" form will be provided
for this purpose later in the application process.)
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Other selection policies are:
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It is the goal of the selection committee that each class
broadly represent Arkansas politically, geographically, ethnically, socially and
by occupation. Selection will try to ensure this diversity.
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Stress will be placed on demonstrated leadership or
potential leadership qualities.
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Spouses, brothers/sisters will not be selected in the same
class.
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Spouses will not be selected for the next successive class.
