SERA42: Enhancement of Leadership Capacity to Address Global Issues in the Food Systems through Coalition Development

(Multistate Research Coordinating Committee and Information Exchange Group)

Status: Inactive/Terminating

Project Menu

SAES-422 Reports

Annual/Termination Reports:

[11/10/2012] [11/09/2013] [11/07/2014]

Date of Annual Report: 11/10/2012

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 11/10/2012 - 11/10/2012
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2012 - 09/01/2013

Participants

Attendees:

Benjy Mikel -Mississippi State University - Committee Co-chair;
Jack Elliot - Texas A&M University;
Jim Zuiches - North Carolina State University;
Bret Hess - University of Wyoming;
Donna M. Brown - University of Wyoming;
Teferi Tsegaye - Kentucky State University;
Kome Onokpise - Florida A&M University;
Charlene Wolf-Hall - North Dakota State University;
Ken Martin - Ohio State University;
Mike Vayda - University of Arkansas;
Fred Schlutt - University of Alaska-Fairbanks;
Anne Dorrance - Ohio State University;
Steve Lommet - North Carolina State University;
Jean Bertrand - University of Georgia;
Harriett A. Paul - Florida A&M University;
C.Y. Wang - South Dakota State University;
Patrick Proden - Oregon State University;
Keith Smith - Ohio State University;
Dave Benfield - Ohio State University - Committee Co-chair;
Jo Britt-Rankin - University of Missouri;
David Shaw - Mississippi State University - Speaker;
Marshall Stewart - North Carolina State University;
Doug Britton - Georgia Tech;
Schuyler Korban University of Illinois;
Ken Swartzel - North Carolina State University - Administrative Advisor;
Tracy Hoover - Pennsylvania State University;
Tim Cross - University of Tennessee - Administrative Advisor;
Claudia Fernandez - University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill - Speaker;
Dirk Maier - Kansas State University;
Laurie Kramer - University of Missouri;
Ernie Minton - Kansas State University;
Eric Young - SAAESD;
Maifan Silitonga - Kentucky State University;
Mary Spor - Kentucky State University;
Barbara Kirby - North Carolina State University;
Pat Curtis - Auburn University;
Daniel Rossi - NERA;
Saied Mostaghimi - Virginia Tech;
Tom Wahl - North Dakota State University;
Bill Lacy - University California-Davis;
Wes Burger - Mississippi State University;
Bobby Moser - Ohio State University - Speaker;
Barry Dunn - South Dakota State University - Speaker;
John Floros - Kansas State University - Speaker

Brief Summary of Minutes

Accomplishments

Accomplishments: Objective 1: Develop a regular forum/venue to bring together leaders of food systems to Identify, interact on issues of common concern and offer leadership development experience necessary for dealing with the system-wide issues (forum topics) of the meeting. A half-day symposium was held at the Hyatt Regency hotel in Denver, CO from 1:00 to 5:00 P.M. on November 10, 2012 in conjunction with the 125th meeting of the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities. The meeting was organized by a committee of Benjy Mikel (MS), Dave Benfield (OH), and Melissa Newman (KY). The agenda of the meeting follows: 1:00 1:15 = Opening remarks, Benjy Mikel and Dave Benfield discussed the objectives of SERA 42 and the desire of many graduates for FSLI and LEAD 21 to continue to have opportunities to develop leadership skills and network with fellow graduates and other leaders in food systems. A prior survey of graduates from these programs identified potential discussion topics for the meetings and suggested that the meeting be held in conjunction with APLU. 1:15 2:00 = David Shaw, VP for Research Mississippi State University, Breaking down academic and other silos Dr. Shaw shared examples of multi-disciplinary programs developed at MSU and how these partnerships have internally and externally funded centers and institutes. He also provided information on how leaders in administration can foster and build these larger academic research groups. 2:00 3:00= Claudia Fernandez, Director Leadership Core, FSLI, North Carolina Institute for Public Health UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health Powerful Apology. How many of us have said things that we regret and need to apologize to our colleagues? Dr. Fernandez presented many helpful suggestions and examples of appropriate and inappropriate apologies and how to best present these apologies to the wronged party. The goal is to mend relationships and collegiality through honest and heartfelt apologies in the workplace. 3:00 3:30 = Break 3:30-4:45 Dean Panel Future vision of food systems, engaging faculty, developing food systems culture Bobby Moser - Ohio State University Barry Dunn - South Dakota State University John Floros - Kansas State University Each of the Deans was asked to address two questions: What are the three top issues that you feel will have the most impact on the global food system over the next 5 years? Give examples of ways in which your college is addressing or preparing to address these issues through research, extension and education. 4:45 5:00 = Election SERA 42 Officers, topics for next years meeting. Benjy Mikel and Dave Benfield will remain as co-chairs for 2013. The following individuals volunteered to assist with the 2013 program to be held in conjunction with the 126th APLU meeting: Wes Burger (MS), Teferi Tsegaye (KY), Jean Bertrand (GA), and Patrick Proden (OR). The meeting was attended by 50 individuals from 22 different universities. Objective 2: Create and disseminate information that is useful beyond the immediate audience of the forum Two initial products are targeted for outcomes: a series of leadership primers based on the discussion of the selected Current and Emerging Issues at the annual forum and a series of brief whitepapers related to each Current and Emerging Issue as discussed in Objective 1. The leadership primers would consist of PowerPoint presentation and possibly video of speakers at the annual meeting to be disseminated through the SERA 42 annual meeting. This process will begin at the next SERA 42 meeting to be held in collaboration with APLU in 2013. Electronic versions of whitepapers will also be posted on the website for public access. A third possible idea involves developing a leadership course that can be embedded in graduate curricula. The feasibility of creating a Community of Practice for Food Systems Leadership as part of extension will also be explored. These ideas will be discussed and a plan of work implemented in 2013. Website development will begin in 2013. Objective 3: Provide specific individual and organizational leadership development training towards excellence for dealing with critical issues in our food systems. One of the components of each forum discussion will be to develop a set of leadership best practices to be utilized in addressing annual forum topics. We will use the same methods and training used by the most innovative domestic and international companies as well as high impact non-profit organizations; specifically: executive coaching, training instruments, change management and strategic planning tools. Participants will engage in experiential based training and will focus discussions on how to extend their learning back to their home organizations. Linkages: This SERA program links land-grant programs (1862, 1890, and 1994 institutions) nationwide. Graduates of the FSLI and LEAD 21 programs comprise leaders from across the United States and its territories, including food industry (Abbott Nutritionals, Campbells Soup), and several U.S. Government agencies (USDA, ERS, State Departments of Agriculture) related to food systems. There were 50 attendees at the conference from 22 states. Both 1862 and 1890 universities and colleges were represented.

Publications

Impact Statements

Date of Annual Report: 11/09/2013

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 11/09/2013 - 11/09/2013
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2013 - 09/01/2014

Participants

Teferi Tsegaye - Kentucky State University;
Ken Martin - Ohio State University;
Mike Vayda - University of Arkansas;
Rich Linton - North Carolina State University;
Dave Benfield - Ohio State University - Committee Co-chair;
Mary Simon Leuci - University of Missouri;
Marshall Stewart - North Carolina State University;
Schuyler Korban - University of Illinois;
Ken Swartzel -North Carolina State University - Speaker/Administrative Advisor;
Gary Thompson- Pennsylvania State University;
Tim Cross - University of Tennessee - Administrative Advisor;
Ernie Minton - Kansas State University;
Eric Young - SAAESD;
Bill Brown - University of Tennessee;
Mary Spor - Kentucky State University;
Tom Wahl - North Dakota State University;
Wes Burger - Mississippi State University;
Mike Boehm - Ohio State University (via video)-Speaker;
Mark Erbaugh - Ohio State University - Speaker;
Gretchen Neisler - Michigan State University - Speaker;
John Ferrick - University of Wisconsin-Madison -Speaker;
Mark Varner -APLU -Speaker

Brief Summary of Minutes

The meeting was called to order by Dave Benfield, Co-chair SERA 42. Dave welcomed all attendees and invited speakers and also informed the group that Benjy Mikel, Mississippi State University the other co-chair has left the university for private industry.

Dr. Benfield then reviewed the program and agenda for the meeting and introduced the first speaker Dr. Ken Swartzel who spoke on Feeding the World in 2050 Will Take Strong Leadership. Dr. Swartzel shares many of his career and administrative experiences with the group and related these to the future leadership needs in the Food Systems.

Dr. Benfield then introduced the second speaker Dr. Mike Boehm, The Ohio State University, who spoke to the group via video link from Columbus. Dr. Boehm shared many of the details and purposes of OSUs strategic research and faculty building program under the title of Discovery Themes. Dr. Boehms talks was a continuation from the 2012 meeting that addressed the concept of breaking down disciplinary silos and moving research to cross disciplinary problems.
Following a short break, Dr. Benfield introduced Dr. Mark Erbaugh, The Ohio State University, and he introduced a panel of speakers that addressed the topic of International Program in Agriculture. Each of the panelists introduced a different aspect of International Programs in research and teaching.

After much discussion on the panels comments, the group convened to the annual business meeting. We discussed how to sustain the efforts of the group and possible future topics. An election was held for a new Chair and Vice chair/Secretary. Dr. Teferi Tsegaye from Kentucky State University agreed to become Chair of SERA 42 and Dr. Gary Thompson from Pennsylvania State
University was elected Vice Chair/ Secretary.

The meeting dismissed at 5:00 P.M.

Washington Marriott Wardman Park
Room Madison A

1:00 1:15 = Opening remarks, Dave Benfield Chair SERA 42

1:15 2:00 = Feeding the World in 2050 Will Take Strong Leadership
Dr.Ken Swartzel, William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor
Emeritus, Departments of Food, Bioprocessing, Nutrition Sciences and Biological and Agricultural Engineering. Former Director Food Systems Leadership Institute (FSLI).

2:00 2:45 = Transition to University sponsored interdisciplinary research:
The Ohio State University Discovery Themes Concept
Dr. Mike Boehm, Associate Provost, The Ohio State University. This presentation will be video linked.

2:45 3:00 = Break

3:00 4:00 = Panel Discussion in International Programs in Agriculture
Chair: Dr. Mark Erbaugh, Director of International Programs in Agriculture, College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, The Ohio State University and current Chair, International Agriculture Section.
Dr. Gretchen Neisler, Director, Institute of International Agriculture, Michigan State University, and Chair-elect, International Agriculture Section
Dr. John Ferrick, Director of International Programs in College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Wisconsin and IAS representative to the Board on Agricultural Assembly

Dr. Mark Varner, Senior Counselor, APLU and Professor Emeritus Animal Sciences, University of Maryland.

4:00- 5:00 = SERA 42 Business Meeting

Election of officers for 2013-2014 - Topics for next years program

Website development for SERA 42 Other

Accomplishments

Accomplishments: Objective 1: Develop a regular forum/venue to bring together leaders of food systems to Identify, interact on issues of common concern and offer leadership development experience necessary for dealing with the system-wide issues (forum topics) of the meeting. A half-day symposium was held at the Washington Marriott Wardman Park Hotel Washington, DC in conjunction with the 126th meeting of the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities. The meeting was organized by a committee of Dave Benfield (Ohio State University), Teferi Tsegaye Kentucky State University, Jean Bertrand University of Georgia, Patrick Proden, Oregon State University and Wes Burger, Mississippi State University. Three broad topics related to Food Systems were addressed at the annual meeting: future leadership in the Food Systems (Ken Swartzel); program in cross disciplinary research (Mike Boehm) and International Programs in Agriculture (Mark Erbaugh, Gretchen Neisler, John Ferrick and Mark Varner). There were several minutes of discussion following each keynote presentation. Suggested for future that these sessions be recorded via Carmen or other resource and offered on SERA 42 Website. The agenda of the meeting follows: 1:00 1:15 = Opening remarks, Dave Benfield Chair SERA 42 1:15 2:00 = Feeding the World in 2050 Will Take Strong Leadership Dr.Ken Swartzel, William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Departments of Food, Bioprocessing, Nutrition Sciences and Biological and Agricultural Engineering. Former Director Food Systems Leadership Institute (FSLI). 2:00 2:45 = Transition to University sponsored interdisciplinary research: The Ohio State University Discovery Themes Concept Dr. Mike Boehm, Associate Provost, The Ohio State University. This presentation will be video linked. 2:45 3:00 = Break 3:00 4:00 = Panel Discussion in International Programs in Agriculture Chair: Dr. Mark Erbaugh, Director of International Programs in Agriculture, College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, The Ohio State University and current Chair, International Agriculture Section. Dr. Gretchen Neisler, Director, Institute of International Agriculture, Michigan State University, and Chair-elect, International Agriculture Section Dr. John Ferrick, Director of International Programs in College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Wisconsin and IAS representative to the Board on Agricultural Assembly Dr. Mark Varner, Senior Counselor, APLU and Professor Emeritus Animal Sciences, University of Maryland. 4:00- 5:00 = SERA 42 Business Meeting Election of officers for 2013-2014 Topics for next years program Website development for SERA 42 Other Objective 2: Create and disseminate information that is useful beyond the immediate audience of the forum The topics discussed at the 2013 annual meeting definitely provided information and take home messages that can be used by the attendees. Two initial products are still targeted for outcomes: a series of leadership primers based on the discussion of the selected Current and Emerging Issues at the annual forum and a series of brief whitepapers related to each Current and Emerging Issue as discussed in Objective 1. The leadership primers would consist of PowerPoint presentation and possibly video of speakers at the annual meeting to be disseminated through the SERA 42 annual meeting. This process was to begin at the next SERA 42 meeting to be held in collaboration with APLU in 2013. Electronic versions of whitepapers will also be posted on the website for public access. A third possible idea involves developing a leadership course that can be embedded in graduate curricula. The feasibility of creating a Community of Practice for Food Systems Leadership as part of extension will also be explored. These ideas will be discussed and a plan of work implemented in 2014. Website development began in 2013 and will launch in March 2014. Objective 3: Provide specific individual and organizational leadership development training towards excellence for dealing with critical issues in our food systems. One of the components of each forum discussion will be to develop a set of leadership best practices to be utilized in addressing annual forum topics. We will use the same methods and training used by the most innovative domestic and international companies as well as high impact non-profit organizations; specifically: executive coaching, training instruments, change management and strategic planning tools. This objective has not been implemented and should be a part of the 2014 meeting. Linkages: This SERA program links land-grant programs (1862, 1890, and 1994 institutions) nationwide. Graduates of the FSLI and LEAD 21 programs comprise leaders from across the United States and its territories, including food industry (Abbott Nutritionals, Campbells Soup), and several U.S. Government agencies (USDA, ERS, State Departments of Agriculture) related to food systems. There were 30 attendees at the conference from 14 states. Both 1862 and 1890 universities and colleges were represented.

Publications

Impact Statements

Date of Annual Report: 11/07/2014

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 11/01/2014 - 11/01/2014
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2014 - 09/01/2015

Participants

Al Wysocki University of Florida;
Charlene Wolf Hall North Dakota State University;
Christine Wilson Kansas State University;
Donna Brown University of Wyoming;
Paul Ellinger University of Illinois;
Elaine Turner University of Florida;
Jane Schuh North Dakota State University;
Ken Martin Ohio State University;
Kim Dooley Texas A&M University;
Laurie Kramer University of Illinois;
Lisa Guion North Carolina State University;
Lona Robertson University of Arkansas;
Michael Newman Mississippi State University;
Mike Vayda Auburn University;
Nancy Irlbeck Colorado State University;
Nick Place University of Florida;
Pat Curtis Auburn University;
Paul Brown Auburn University;
Ray McKinnie North Carolina A&T University;
Tom Thompson Virginia Polytechnic Institute;
Tracy Hoover Pennsylvania State University;
Wendy Fink APLU;
Teferi Tsegaye Kentucky State University Committee Chair;
Gary Thompson Pennsylvania State University Committee Co-chair;
Maifan Silitonga Kentucky State University Program Moderator;
Joe Dipietro University of Tennessee System Speaker;
Alton Thompson Delaware State University Speaker;
Walter Hill Tuskegee University Speaker;
Beverly Downing Kentucky State University Speaker;
Claudia Fernandez North Carolina State University Presenter;
Marshall Stewart North Carolina State University Director APLU FSLI;
Carol Reilly North Carolina State University Program Specialist APLU FSLI

Brief Summary of Minutes

Accomplishments

Objective 1: Develop a regular forum/venue to bring together leaders of food systems to Identify, interact on issues of common concern and offer leadership development experience necessary for dealing with the system-wide issues (forum topics) of the meeting. A half-day symposium entitled “Leading through Partnership Development” was held at the Hilton Bonnet Creek Hotel Orlando, Florida in conjunction with the 127th meeting of the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities. The meeting was organized by a committee of Teferi Tsegaye (Kentucky State University), Gary Thompson (Pennsylvania State University), Maifan Silitonga (Kentucky State University), Marshall Stewart (North Carolina State University), and Carol Reilly (North Carolina State University). A panel of notable speakers on the “Power of Partnerships” in the context of Food Systems was presented to the FSLI Fellows. A leadership seminar that actively engaged the Fellows on the topic of “Resiliency” was conducted by Claudia Fernandez. The business meeting focused on ways forward to ensure the continuation of this important forum for the FSLI and LEAD-21 fellows. Several proposals were discussed including the continuation of the SERA-42 multistate project or terminating the project and having future meetings organized by the graduating cohort each year as a class project. An electronic poll will be conducted to determine which of the two alternatives are supported by the fellows. The agenda of the meeting follows: 1:00 – 1:15 Opening Remarks, Dr. Maifan Silitonga, Program Moderator 1:15 – 2:45 The Power of Partnerships Dr. Joe Dipietro, President, University of Tennessee System Dr. Alton Thompson, Provost and VP for Academic Affairs, Delaware State University Dr. Walter Hill, Dean and Director, Tuskegee University Dr. Beverly Downing, Provost and VP for Academic Affairs, Kentucky State University 2:45 – 3:00 Break 3:00 – 4:30 Leadership Seminar - Resiliency Dr. Claudia Fernandez, FSLI and North Carolina State University 4:30 – 5:00 Business Meeting 5:00 Adjourn Objective 2: Create and disseminate information that is useful beyond the immediate audience of the forum. The topics discussed at the 2014 annual meeting provided information and “take home” messages that can be used by the attendees. Two initial products targeted for outcomes: a series of “leadership primers” based on the discussion of the selected Current and Emerging Issues at the annual forum and a series of brief whitepapers related to each Current and Emerging Issues have not been developed as anticipated in the original proposal. Objective 3: Provide specific individual and organizational leadership development training towards excellence for dealing with critical issues in our food systems. The 2014 SERA-42 Pre-conference Leadership Seminar provided attendees with both organizational and individual development training. The Power of Partnerships panel discussion focused on organizational development and involved four speakers with a variety of experiences in leading their institutions in successful partnerships. Each speaker provided an overview of their experiences in developing productive partnerships followed by a discussion that engaged the audience. Topics of discussion included: using the right connections; having a university program-mission based partnership; knowing and having the mission, market, and margin investment; and building trust between partners. Individual development training conducted by Claudia Fernandez focused on the importance of resilience in leadership. This interactive presentation reviewed the four components of resilience: mental health, physical health, well-being and sufficient skills. This included a discussion of the pitfalls that leaders can encounter when dysfunction occurs in the 5-C Functions of clarifying, crisis, comforting, celebrating, and confronting. An interactive support mapping and matrix of the 5-C Functions engaged the attendees in understanding their individual personal, professional, and organizational support networks. Finally, an interactive exercise involving all of the attendees provided a tool that can be used to develop group dynamics in moving from an atmosphere of uncertainty and distrust to one of engagement and reward. Linkages: This SERA program links land-grant programs (1862, 1890, and 1994 institutions) nationwide. Graduates of the FSLI and LEAD 21 programs comprise leaders from across the United States and its territories, including food industry (Abbott Nutritionals, Campbell’s Soup), and several U.S. Government agencies (USDA, ERS, State Departments of Agriculture) related to food systems. There were 32 attendees at the conference from 21 universities in 17 states. Both 1862 and 1890 universities and colleges were represented