Leadership Lafayette

Who Is Eligible?

Leadership Lafayette develops and maintains a network of invested citizens committed to improving the quality of life in our community. Ideal candidates are those who are passionate not only about their personal leadership but about their community and its success.

Leadership Lafayette welcomes applicants from all levels of community involvement, from established corporate level leaders, executives, emerging leaders, community leaders, and new-to-Oxford/Lafayette County leaders, who are interested in learning more about Oxford/Lafayette County and the issues that impact our community.

2027 Applications will open in the fall with a deadline of early December, 2027.

_{2025 Leadership Award recipient Jacee Palmer (middle) pictured with Leadership Lafayette Steering Committee Co-Chairs Wayne Andrews (far left) and Sha’ Simpson (second from left) and Chair of the Board Erin Smith (right).}

What is Leadership Lafayette?

It is an eight-month program, running annually from January through August, that features a series of monthly training sessions and activities, designed to create active and engaged community leaders.

The Leadership Lafayette program introduces participants to a wide variety of assets within our Lafayette County area, exposes them to current community needs, and strategic leadership skills training.

The class will meet for an all day session once a month, typically the first Thursday of the month, from 8am-5pm. In addition to the monthly sessions, class members participate in a community based team project that aims to solve a current community problem and leaves a lasting impact on the LOU community.

How are the Leadership Lafayette participants chosen?

Participation in Leadership Lafayette is determined by a competitive application process with the number of applicants far exceeding the number of available openings. A selection committee will carefully review all Leadership Lafayette applications. Program participation is limited to 25.

Preference will be given to candidates who, in addition to their potential for leadership, would contribute to the overall diversity and strength of the class and have available time to commit to the program and future community service. Leadership Lafayette seeks to have class diversity among all ethnic groups, ages, genders, professions, and backgrounds.