Utah State University Eastern News Release
PRICE, Utah – The Eastern Leaders Academy (ELA), a premier leadership development experience through Utah State University Eastern, is now accepting applications for its upcoming cohort. Community members across Carbon, Emery, and surrounding counties are encouraged to apply for this transformative program designed to strengthen leadership, collaboration, and civic engagement in Eastern Utah.
The purpose of the Eastern Leaders Academy is to cultivate local leadership by empowering participants to:
- Constructively evaluate complex issues facing our community through real-world experiences and exposure to diverse perspectives and current local initiatives.
- Develop key leadership skills through meaningful discussion, active engagement, and assigned readings.
- Identify and embrace their unique leadership qualities through self-reflection and personal discovery.
- Build relationships and networks with established community and state leaders, as well as fellow participants.
After the ELA experience, participants are prepared to be innovators, changemakers, unifiers, and visionaries who can confidently lead their communities into the future.
“The Eastern Leaders Academy provides a unique and transformative experience to participants. I cannot think of a single other program locally that explores so many community issues and successes in such a raw, vulnerable way. Any person that invests their time in participating will surely gain a new view on their community and their role in it,” said Scottie Kraync, a past participant of the program.
The Eastern Leaders Academy empowers individuals to grow both personally and professionally through hands-on leadership training, networking with regional changemakers, and engaging with the topics that matter most to our rural communities—from economic development to education, health, and public service.
Membership for the academy is $1,500, and scholarships are available, ensuring that cost is not a barrier for those who want to invest in their future and in their communities.
“This program is built for those who want to lead with purpose,” said Jaime Cowdell, one of the program’s coordinators. “We’re looking for individuals from all backgrounds—business, education, nonprofit, government, or simply those passionate about making a difference in their hometowns.”
Throughout the program, participants will:
- Learn from local and state-level experts
- Build lasting peer connections
- Explore key community issues
- Engage in group projects that create real impact
The deadline to apply is July 31, 2025, and space is limited. To learn more or to submit your application, visit: https://eastern.usu.edu/ela
Whether you’re just beginning your leadership journey or looking to expand your impact, the Eastern Leaders Academy is your opportunity to step up and lead Eastern Utah forward.