Celebrating Leadership and Growth: iLEAD Cohort IV Graduation Ceremony

by Ali Ubeyitogullari, assistant professor, food science - August 22, 2025

Dr. Steve Siegelin warmly welcomed attendees to the graduation ceremony held at the University of Arkansas System Office, extending greetings on behalf of Dr. Deacue Fields, who was unable to attend due to last-minute scheduling changes. The event brought together members of iLEAD Cohorts IV and V, marking a significant milestone in their leadership journey.

The ceremony began with presentations from Cohort IV alumni, who showcased their impactful leadership service projects. These were the projects presented:

• Jennifer Acuff – Enhancing New Faculty Onboarding in the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture (UADA)
  
  
• Tracy Courage – Emergency Communications Social Media Assets Database
  
  
• Blake Erbach – Partners in AG Video Series
  
  
• Tina Hart – Greenhouse Success: Design, Maintenance, and Harvesting in Your Backyard
  
  
• Mishanna Lanes – GivePulse: Streamlining Volunteer Engagement, Revive the Parks: Crawfordsville Community Project
  
  
• Brandon Mathews – Natural State of Extension Podcast
  
  
• Linda Pate – The Knowledge Network: Connecting Research & Extension
  
  
• Andrea Price – WalkMe for Workday Implementation across UADA
  
  
• Amy Simpson – The Creation of Shared Resource Files for County Agriculture Agents
  
  
• Ali Ubeyitogullari – Engaging Students in STEM through 3D Food Printing Demonstrations

These projects reflected the leadership, dedication, creativity and collaborative spirit fostered throughout the program.

Following the presentations, Cohort iLead IV graduates received their certificates, celebrating their achievements and growth. Each graduate shared personal reflections on their experience in the iLEAD program, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture (UADA), develop essential leadership skills, and gain meaningful insights about themselves along the way.

Cohort IV graduates thanked Dr. Julie Robinson, Siegelin, and Lisa Davis for their unwavering dedication and for making the iLEAD program possible through their vision, support, and commitment to leadership development.

In a heartfelt moment, Cohort IV graduates offered advice to the incoming iLead Cohort V:
"Be open and embrace a growth mindset."

Their words captured the essence of the iLEAD program—fostering continuous learning, adaptability and a commitment to service.