Rural Leadership North Dakota alumni, sponsors and supporters gathered to celebrate the Rural Leadership North Dakota Class X Graduation Gala on Friday, Nov. 21, at the Rough Riders Hotel in Medora, North Dakota. Attendees honored the accomplishments of the 10th class completing RLND’s leadership development program, and exemplary leaders were also recognized.

Over 18 months, the 14-participant class engaged in statewide seminars, on-site visits, leadership workshops and a national travel seminar to strengthen their skills in critical thinking, communication, collaboration and civic engagement.

“Class X adopted the motto ‘The X Factor: Xperience, Xplore, Xpand,’ reflecting their commitment to stepping beyond comfort zones, tackling complex challenges and expanding their leadership impact across North Dakota,” says Katie Tyler, North Dakota State University Extension specialist and RLND program director.

During the gala, Lynette Flage, NDSU Extension associate director, recognized the graduates’ growth and encouraged them to remain active leaders in their communities. Each graduate received a distinguished RLND plaque.

Three awards, each highlighting individual or organizational commitment to advancing leadership across North Dakota and strengthening the RLND program, were presented.

The RLND Leader Award was presented to Barry Medd in honor of his sustained leadership and service to the RLND program and to communities across North Dakota. His nine years of service on the RLND Council, including his leadership during periods of significant growth and throughout the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, strengthened the program’s curriculum, alumni engagement and opportunities for future leaders. Medd’s broader work through banking, community service and the 4-6-3 Foundation reflects a steady commitment to helping people and communities thrive.

The RLND Champion Award recognized Starion Bank for its significant and ongoing support of RLND and its investment in developing leaders for agriculture and rural communities. Starion has supported RLND since its earliest years through tuition sponsorships, seminar contributions, speakers, facilities and consistent encouragement of employees to participate in the program. Their investment reaches beyond financial support and demonstrates a clear belief in the value of developing leaders who strengthen their communities.

The RLND Alumni Association Eagle Award was presented to Rep. Jayme Davis, RLND Class VII, for her exemplary leadership, service and advocacy that extends far beyond her own cohort and advances the RLND mission statewide. Rep. Davis has distinguished herself through her work in public service, community leadership and advocacy for rural communities, tribal nations and families. Her leadership reflects the core values that RLND seeks to cultivate in every participant.

RLND and the RLND Alumni Association emphasize the shared responsibility of building and sustaining leadership throughout North Dakota by honoring Medd, Starion Bank and Rep. Davis.

Through support from alumni, sponsors and friends, the gala raised over $20,000 for RLND and the RLND Alumni Association. This total includes the full $10,000 matching gift from Michael and Kathleen O’Keeffe to support tuition scholarships through the O’Keeffe Rural Leadership North Dakota Fund. These contributions help provide scholarships, strengthen alumni-led community projects and expand leadership capacity across rural North Dakota.

Rural Leadership North Dakota is a program of NDSU Extension that prepares emerging and established leaders to address critical issues, build strong networks and contribute to the long-term vitality of North Dakota’s agricultural and rural sectors.

For more information about RLND, the RLND Alumni Association or future award nominations, visit ag.ndsu.edu/RLND.

NDSU Agriculture Communication – Dec. 4, 2025

Source: Katie Tyler, 701-361-0869, katherine.tyler@ndsu.edu

Editor: Dominic Erickson, 701-231-5546, dominic.erickson@ndsu.edu