By Brooklyn Crippen | Utah State University Eastern | Photo by Jaime Cowdell | USU
The Eastern Leaders Academy hosted its November Experience Day on Nov. 12, centered on the theme of Service Enterprises and designed to introduce participants to local service-focused organizations and the vital roles they play in the community.
The Eastern Leaders Academy, facilitated by USU Eastern, is a leadership development program that brings together current and emerging leaders from Carbon and Emery Counties.
The day began with a visit to the Southeastern Regional Development Agency, where participants learned about the agency’s efforts to support economic and community development across the region. The group then visited the Carbon County Food Bank, donating 300 pounds of turkey to help families in need during the Thanksgiving season. They also volunteered by sorting and organizing donations, gaining firsthand insight into how the food bank supports residents year-round.
Throughout the morning, the academy visited several additional organizations including Active Re-Entry, the Children’s Justice Center, and the Family Support Center. At each stop, participants learned about the services each organization provides and the role they play in supporting individuals and families. The visits offered a closer look at the challenges these organizations address, and the leadership required to keep them running smoothly.
The group then traveled to the Carbon County Senior Citizens Center, where they shared Thanksgiving lunch with local seniors. The meal created a warm opportunity for conversation, connection and community building. A presentation from the center’s director followed, providing a deeper look at the programs and services that support seniors in the area.
At the Price City Fire Department, Carbon and Emery County first responders greeted the group and spoke about the importance of serving the community. They presented advice on how to demonstrate servant leadership, drawing on their own experiences and perspectives as first responders. Participants heard firsthand how volunteering and community involvement make a difference in local safety and wellbeing.
The day concluded with a trip to the Carbon County Administration Building. There was a panel discussion featuring leaders from the United Way of Eastern Utah, South Valley Services and Castle Country Fuller Center. Participants discovered the organizations’ programs and initiatives and gained insight into how community partnerships help address local needs. Many noted that they discovered services they had not previously known were available in the region.
Throughout the day, participants engaged in conversations about leadership, pausing to reflect on the lessons they observed and how these principles could shape their own leadership approaches. Each experience highlighted the many ways individuals and organizations work together to strengthen the community.
Looking ahead, the academy’s December Experience Day will focus on “Education from Birth to Career.” Participants will explore schools across the region, hear from educators at all levels, and learn how education influences and shapes the broader community.