Will Hehemann | School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences
Dr. Suzzette Shaw Goldmon, assistant professor of hospitality and tourism management for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, recently graduated from the Delta Regional Authority’s (DRA) Delta Leadership Institute (DLI) Executive Academy. The year-long leadership development program brings together public, private and nonprofit sector leaders from each of the eight states of the Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black Belt regions.
According to a DRA press release, the graduates participated in six training sessions over the course of the year to learn about regional economic and community development best practices. They heard from local, regional and national experts in infrastructure and transportation, small business and entrepreneurship, workforce development, public health and other fields. The fellows are tasked with using the knowledge they gained to create innovative solutions in their own communities.
“I am grateful for my opportunity to participate as a fellow in the Delta Leadership Institute Class of 2019-2020,” Dr. Goldmon said. “The experience afforded me the opportunity to learn more about the Delta Region and how I can bring information and resources back to my local community in Arkansas.”
Dr. Goldmon said she learned the importance of developing a strong network for regional collaboration, information sharing and continued learning. She looks forward to utilizing and sharing strategies to help the local economy with fellow community leaders and experts.
DLI program participants are nominated by their state governor. Dr. Goldmon was one of five graduates from Arkansas.
“The five new graduates of the Delta Regional Authority’s Delta Leadership Institute started the term with the strength of their individual talents and calling,” said Governor Asa Hutchinson in a statement. “Over the past year, they added to their own skill sets the collective strength of their fellow graduates. Now they are equipped to accomplish more for the people of Arkansas than they could have individually and without this time together at the Delta Leadership Institute. The Delta Region is stronger for their commitment and leadership.”
Dr. Goldmon joined UAPB in the fall semester of 2020. As the university’s first professor of hospitality and tourism management, she teaches courses related to gaming, lodging, sales, human resources, tourism, resort management and other hospitality-related courses.
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff offers all of its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
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