Published Janaury 27, 2014
Dr. John W. Sutherlin, associate professor of political science and co-director the
social science research lab (SSRL) at the University of Louisiana at Monroe, recently
attended the Delta Leadership Institute's (DLI) inaugural four-day executive education
training at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government in Cambridge,
Mass.
Dr. John Sutherlin at the Harvard John F. Kennedy
School of Government
The program, designed and led by Harvard faculty, focused on cutting edge leadership
principles in the U.S. DLI is a three-entity collaboration with support from the entire
eight-state region: The University of Mississippi’s McLean Institute for Public Service
and Community Engagement, Arkansas State University’s Delta Center for Economic Development
and the University of Louisiana at Monroe’s Social Science Research Lab.
“This was arguably the most intense training I have experienced since graduate school,”
said Sutherlin.
“It felt a bit odd to be a student again, but the effort was worth it because of the
skills and contacts I made. I think the SSRL will be able to continue working with
communities throughout the Delta and assist in a broader manner. This means more opportunities
for faculty to do research and students to have internships.”
Sutherlin joined the group as part of the Louisiana cohort for the Delta Regional
Authority (DRA).
The Delta Regional Authority is a federal-state partnership that is congressionally
mandated to help create jobs, build communities, and improve lives in the 252 counties
and parishes of the Delta.
Through twelve cycles of federal investment, the DRA is helping to create and retain
more than 41,000 jobs and has leveraged $2.7 billion in other public and private investment.
According to the Delta Leadership Institute, since 2005, the Executive Academy has
provided educational experiences for committed community members that enhance their
leadership skills and abilities to create solutions to the region's challenges.
Graduates of the academy become members of the Delta Leadership Network—taking their
new knowledge and understanding of issues home to better serve their communities and
develop new ways of thinking that foster regional collaborations and partnerships.
“Developing cohesive leadership in our communities is vital to moving the Delta region
forward,” said DRA Federal Co-Chairman Chris Masingill.
“As our Delta Leadership Network grows in both quantity and quality, we must continue
to engage these skilled professionals in understanding how to exercise leadership.”
Photo of John Sutherlin courtesy
