North Texas Commission Launches Leadership North Texas University

The North Texas Commission, a regional consortium of businesses, municipalities and higher education institutions that markets, advocates and fosters collaboration for the North Texas region, launches a new program, Leadership North Texas University (LNTU) to train the next generation of regional leaders. LNTU builds upon the highly successful Leadership North Texas graduate-level, regional leadership program with a three-day emerging leader summit to be held December 2-4, 2015. The program is open to young professionals ages 32 and under.

Similar to parent program Leadership North Texas, LNT U is a regional leadership program designed to recruit, develop and support young professionals who have a commitment to civic engagement and to the North Texas region. Participants hear from regional and national experts on various issues facing North Texas with discussion on how to address the challenges unique to our region.

Over a three-day period, the class addresses and discusses topics such as the history of North Texas, regionalism, the changing demographics, the North Texas economy and sustainable development. With an understanding that this age group is least likely to vote in local, state and even national elections, discussion will center on the various roles of political offices and the impact of voter atrophy. And, time will be spent on career development such as professional etiquette and networking.

“Today’s young professionals are citizens of the region,” said Mabrie Jackson, president and CEO of the North Texas Commission. “They see all the opportunities North Texas has to offer, but it’s important that we ensure they are well-educated on the challenges as well. LNT U will give them that platform of regional leadership with the tools they need to succeed in the workforce or working world.”

The application period is now open, and will be accepted until midnight, October 31, 2015. Applications are available online at www.lntuniversity.org. Tuition for the program is $1,500.

Established in 1971, the North Texas Commission is a regional non-profit consortium of businesses, cities, counties, chambers of commerce, economic development entities and higher education institutions in the North Texas Region. The North Texas Commission improves the economic vitality, infrastructure and lifestyle of North Texas by marketing the region, promoting collaboration and advocating on critical issues.

Leadership North Texas (LNT), which launched in 2009, is a graduate-level, regional leadership program that recruits, develops and supports stewards of the North Texas region. During a nine-month program year, participants focus on issues and challenges facing the region.