June 5, 2006 - The Delta Center for Economic Development at Arkansas State University is currently recruiting for Class III of the Mid-South Delta Leaders (MSDL) program.  The 18-month program is scheduled to begin in September 2006.   

MSDL is an intensive community leadership development and enhancement program funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s Mid-South Delta Initiative through a partnership between Delta State University, Arkansas State University; and Grambling State University.  It is designed to strengthen the leadership skills of persons from non-profit, government, business, faith-based and educational organizations in the 55-county/parish Delta region of Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi.

The curriculum provides participants with educational experiences in public policy issues, economic development strategies, leadership styles, management and communications skills.  The core components for the class include learning retreats, study travel tours and issue-based teams.  Activities are designed to strengthen the capacity of participants so they can better respond to the challenges posed by our increasingly global society.

The program fee is $500 and scholarships are available.  Applications, which are due July 21, and details about the program are available at www.msdi.org/leadership, or by contacting Jerry Smith, Arkansas Coordinator, at 870-680-8273 or by email at jerry@astate.edu.