The Oklahoma Agricultural Leadership Program (OAELP) has officially selected its newest class, following an extensive selection process formulated to unite a diverse group of individuals committed to the future of agriculture in the state.
Edmond Bonjour, Director of the Oklahoma Agricultural Leadership Program, explained to Oklahoma Farm Report Intern Karleigh Erramouspe how the process begins with outreach. “We send out about 200 plus invitations to people who had been either nominated or were on a list that we keep running continually,” said Bonjour. “And then there are still some people that just apply because they see it in various places or talk to various alumni.”
Applicants complete a six- to seven-page online application—a transition that has helped simplify the paper-based system. “Our application is online, which has streamlined the process tremendously, and gets us the information a lot quicker that way,” Bonjour noted.
Once completed, each application undergoes a thorough review by a team of 25 to 30 evaluators who assess the responses and assign scores. From there, selected individuals are invited to participate in an in-depth interview process. “They will go through a 45-minute interview with me, where they learn about the expectations and requirements of the program,” he said. “Then they sit with about five people who reviewed their written application in a one-on-one type of interview, where they are asked follow-up questions and are evaluated further.”
Bonjour said one of the program’s key goals in reviewing applicants is to create a well-rounded and inclusive group. “We try to put as diverse a group together as we can,” he emphasized. “We want it to be as diverse as possible—both age, male, female, ag producers, agribusiness, people from all areas of the state, experienced, unexperienced in ag—because we find that the more diversity we have in the class, the better the group is.”
Founded in 1982 with assistance from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the Oklahoma Agricultural Leadership Program was established to develop and empower leaders who will guide the state’s agricultural future. Based at Oklahoma State University, the program is designed to broaden participants’ understanding of the agricultural industry, rural policy issues, and global food systems.
For over four decades, OAELP has played a crucial role in building agricultural and community leadership across Oklahoma. Participants commit to approximately 55 days of programming spread over two years, including in-state seminars, national travel experiences, and an international study tour. These experiences expose participants to different production systems, leadership models, and challenges facing ag professionals at every level.
“We want participants to come out of this program not only more informed, but better connected and more confident in their ability to lead,” said Bonjour. “The goal is for them to receive exposure to all aspects of agriculture throughout the state, and then expand that experience nationally and internationally.”
But the real impact of the program is often seen after the sessions end. “Ultimately, we hope they will go back to their communities, get more involved, and give agriculture a better voice in the general population,” Bonjour added. Alumni of OAELP can be found in leadership roles across state agencies, agricultural organizations, private industry, education, and local government. According to Bonjour, many graduates continue to serve agriculture in meaningful ways—testifying to the long-term value of the program.
The latest class includes:
Ben Beck – Orlando
Jeremiah Campbell – Arnett
Bee Chim – Stillwater
Joshua Dale – Edmond
Melissa Fleming – Gage
Clancy Green – Guymon
Lori Branstetter Henderson – Nowata
Luis Hernandez – Blanchard
Whitney Wilkinson Hinrichsen – Chickasha
Matthew Jantz – Enid
Ryan Jones – Ardmore
Lindsey Linney Kidd – Lone Grove
Dani Marlin – Adair
Hannah McCoon – Oklahoma City
Shelby McManus – Baxter Springs, KS
Lauren Minyard – Lebanon
Clayton Neumann – Ringwood
Lane Newlin – Yukon
Mariah Reimer – Fairfax
Tyler Richter – Morris
Brandi Schieber – Kremlin
Kenneth Watkins – Perkins
Courtney Wilson – Shattuck
Congratulations!
