The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) recently celebrated the graduation of 40 fellows from its Appalachian Leadership Institute (ALI), representing 13 states across the Appalachian region. Among the distinguished graduates is Brad Collett, Tennessee RiverLine executive director and professor at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
The ALI Class of 2024, accompanied by friends, family, ARC staff, and regional leaders, marked its achievement at a graduation ceremony held in Washington, D.C., in late July.
“We are proud of Brad's completion of the Appalachian Leadership Institute,” said Justin Rhinehart, interim dean of UT Extension. “The leadership skills and regional insights he has gained through this program will significantly enhance our ability to serve communities across Tennessee and the broader Appalachian region. This accomplishment underscores UT Extension's commitment to fostering innovative solutions and partnerships that drive economic growth and improve quality of life for the people we serve.”
In October 2023, Collett was selected as one of four fellows representing Tennessee in this year's ALI cohort. Over the past nine months, he participated in six week-long sessions across Appalachia, including Fayetteville, W.Va.; Spartanburg, S.C.; Tupelo, Miss.; Rome, Ga.; Berea, Ky.; and Erie, Pa. These sessions featured skill-building seminars, peer-to-peer learning, case study analysis and site visits showcasing ARC investments in action.
“It has been an honor to represent UT and the state of Tennessee in this esteemed leadership program, alongside so many innovators and thought leaders from across Appalachia,” said Collett. “The knowledge I’ve gained and the relationships I’ve built over the past nine months will enhance our efforts to boost economic opportunities in the communities we serve throughout the valley and the broader Appalachian region. The Tennessee RiverLine initiative exemplifies a national model for asset-based community and economic development and embodies our land-grant mission in action.”
The ALI is a comprehensive regional leadership training program developed in partnership with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville; The Howard H. Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs; Tuskegee University; and Collective Impact. The ALI curriculum is designed to equip fellows with the knowledge, ideas and networks needed to create positive change in their communities and strengthen the region’s economic opportunities. Collett's participation strengthens UT Extension's relationship with ARC, its staff, and partner networks, while increasing its understanding of ARC funding programs. These connections will accelerate the Tennessee RiverLine's efforts to foster regional collaboration, economic opportunities, and innovation in the communities it serves, and position it as a valuable resource for similar asset-based community and economic development initiatives throughout Appalachia.