2024 – 2025 Leadership Institute graduates
Leadership Institute
In 1990 a major local bank approached Highland with an idea for celebrating, with a gift of some enduring significance, its 100th anniversary. The Highland Leadership Institute was created to develop and sustain a network of local leaders. Alan Wenzel, a Speech Communicator faculty member, was appointed director and in 1991, the first class was named. Each year since then, the Leadership Institute has offered from 20 to 40 community leaders a program of leadership skill building and community awareness.
For more information about the annual application process, contact the Leadership Institute.
Frequently Asked Questions – Leadership Institute
1. What exactly is the Leadership Institute?
The Leadership Institute is a nine-month program conducted by Highland Community College for individuals who
are interested in the future of Stephenson County. Each year, approximately twenty participants gather regularly
to study leadership topics and discuss important County issues.
2. What is the purpose of the Institute?
The purpose of the Institute is to create a network of local leaders who are knowledgeable about community
issues, are able to demonstrate effective leadership skills, and are committed to improving our organizations
and communities.
3. When and how often does the Institute meet?
After an opening two and a half day overnight retreat in September, the Institute typically meets on the third
Wednesday of the month September through May from 8:00 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.
4. Where does the Institute meet?
Although the Institute meets quite often at Highland Community College, it also tries to meet in different
Stephenson County locales, giving participants the opportunity to learn more about all areas of the County.
Meetings are held in schools, town halls, businesses, community buildings or public meeting spaces.
5. What happens at each Institute session?
Mornings are spent exploring, discussing and practicing various aspects of effective leadership. In the afternoon
session, County leaders share information about important County topics such as: land use and conservation,
tourism, economic development, transportation, education, youth and senior issues, and the judicial system.
6. How can I participate in the Institute?
The first step is to obtain an application from Evan Talbert, Highland Community College, 815-599-3510 or
evan.talbert@highland.edu, complete and return. The approximately twenty participants are selected from
the pool of applicants on the basis of their interest in community issues and how well they reflect and represent
the diversity of the County
7. How much does it cost? Who pays for it? Can I earn college credit?
Tuition cost for the nine-month program (6 Highland Community College Credit Hours) is $1,500.00. An
additional fee of $500.00 is charged for books and materials. Often a sponsoring organization or employer will
pay the entire cost for an individual. Occasionally participants will pay a portion of the costs with a sponsor
paying the remainder.
8. If my employer/sponsor or I are unable to meet the program costs, is there some kind of tuition
assistance available to help offset the tuition and fees?
Yes. Because of the generous support of numerous Stephenson County benefactors, full or partial scholarship
assistance is available upon request at the time of acceptance into the program.
Jo Daviess Leadership Forum
Citizens of Jo Daviess County approached the college in 2000 with a request to develop a community leadership program in their county. A local Steering Committee was formed, the Highland Foundation provided funding, and in 2001, the program began with a first class of 17 local community leaders. The Forum is dedicated to developing a diverse group of capable and committed leaders.
For more information about the annual application process, contact the Leadership Forum.
Frequently Asked Questions – Leadership Forum
1. What exactly is the Leadership Forum?
The Leadership Forum is a program conducted by Highland Community College for individuals who are interested in the future of Jo Daviess County. Each year, approximately 15 participants gather once a month to study leadership topics and discuss important County issues.
2. What is the purpose of the Forum?
The purpose of the Forum is to create a network of local leaders who are knowledgeable about community issues, are able to demonstrate effective leadership skills, and are committed to improving our organizations and communities.
3. When and how often does the Forum meet?
After an opening two and a half day overnight retreat in late January, the Forum usually meets on the second Wednesday of the month, February through November from
8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
4. Where does the Forum meet?
Each month the Forum meets in a different Jo Daviess County community giving participants the opportunity to learn more about all areas of the County. Meetings are held in schools, town halls, businesses, community buildings, or public meeting spaces.
5. What happens at each Forum session?
Mornings are spent exploring, discussing, and practicing various aspects of effective leadership. In the afternoon session, County leaders share information about important County topics such as land use and conservation, tourism, economic development, transportation, education, youth and senior issues, and agriculture.
6. How can I participate in the Forum?
The first step is to obtain an application from Evan Talbert, Highland Community College, 815-599-3510 or evan.talbert@highland.edu, complete and return. The participants are selected from the pool of applicants on the basis of their interest in community issues and how well they reflect and represent the diversity of the County.
7. How much does it cost? Who pays for it? Can I earn college credit?
Tuition cost for the 11-month program (nine Highland Community College credit hours) is
$1,500.00. The books and materials fee is $500.00. Often a sponsoring organization or employer will pay the entire cost for an individual. Occasionally participants will pay a portion of the costs with a sponsor paying the remainder.
8. If my employer/sponsor or I are unable to meet the program costs, is there some kind of tuition assistance available to help offset the tuition and fees?
Yes. Because of the generous support of numerous Jo Daviess County benefactors, scholarship assistance is available upon request at the time of acceptance into the program.