Formed in the College of Agriculture in 2002, the Department of Community and Leadership Development brought faculty from rural sociology, agricultural education, agricultural communication and program-and-staff development together in one unit.

Forming a new department out of constituent pieces has meant changes not only for the department but also for the history of the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment at the University of Kentucky. For example, both our undergraduate and graduate degree programs have been reorganized to better integrate and utilize the resources of the entire department; the agricultural communications program has been refocused on community communication to highlight the fundamental role of communication in both community and leadership development; and programs that were previously instruction-based (community communication and agricultural education) now contain active and successful research components. 

Mission

As scholars, teachers and practitioners in a multidisciplinary social sciences department, we create new knowledge through research, extension and outreach. We develop and empower our students, organizations and communities to envision and achieve sustainable and equitable futures.

Vision

The Department of Community and Leadership Development is a model for excellence in applying multidisciplinary and innovative approaches to leadership, community processes and the development of individuals and their respective communities.

Core Values

Our values are inspired by the land-grant philosophy and the ethical principles of our professional training. We mobilize the three land-grant values — learning, discovery and engagement — to understand and address contemporary development challenges.