Leading Through Growth: RLND Class XI Explores Leadership and Innovation in Wahpeton

Leading Through Growth: RLND Class XI Explores Leadership and Innovation in Southeast North Dakota

Wahpeton, ND

By RLND Class XI Members: Briana Spellerberg, Jenn Jordan, and Rudy Dotzenrod

RLND Class XI spent several days in the Wahpeton and Colfax areas gaining firsthand insight into leadership, workforce development, and innovation across education, industry, and community settings.

Day One: Education and Leadership

Class XI began Seminar Two with a focused session on Emotional Intelligence, exploring how self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management influence leadership effectiveness. The session encouraged class members to reflect on how emotional intelligence shapes decision-making, communication, and trust, particularly in complex and changing environments. This foundation set the tone for the remainder of the seminar by reinforcing the role of intentional leadership behavior in building strong teams and communities.

The visit then continued at North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) with a welcome from President Dr. Rod Flanigan, who shared his leadership journey from industry into higher education. His story emphasized adaptability, humility, and the value of lifelong learning.

Class XI then toured NDSCS facilities, splitting into two groups. One group explored the Allied Health programs, where students engage with advanced, hands-on training tools, including high-fidelity medical mannequins used to simulate real-life healthcare scenarios. Technology such as virtual classrooms has also expanded NDSCS’s reach, allowing the college to serve more students across the region.

The second group toured Agriculture and Diesel Technology, including the recently relocated John Deere Tech program. NDSCS leaders highlighted how programs are tailored to meet individual student interests and evolving workforce needs, as well as how many graduates return as instructors, further strengthening the connection between education and industry.

Following the tours, Class XI spent time exploring their 360 Leadership Practices Inventory assessment results. Class members reflected on feedback related to their leadership behaviors, discussed patterns and insights emerging from the data, and considered how modeling values and actions influences credibility and trust. The session reinforced the importance of self-awareness and intentional leadership development as the cohort continues its journey.

That evening, Class XI gathered with RLND alumni and guest speakers. Jim Dotzenrod shared leadership experiences shaped by his service in the North Dakota Senate, the U.S. Air Force, and the North Dakota Air National Guard, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and service. Russ Tweiten, Regional Vice President of Succession and Retirement Planning for AgCountry, spoke about the critical role of trust, communication, and relationships when guiding families through complex transitions.

Day Two: Industry, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship

Day two began with a tour of Corteva, where safety, innovation, and community care were clearly prioritized. As a global company with a strong presence in Wahpeton, Corteva provides local farmers with access to parent seed while embracing future-focused technology, including artificial intelligence camera systems.

Next, the cohort visited Väderstad, formerly Wil-Rich, the United States headquarters of the Sweden-based, third-generation family-owned company. Strong employee morale and corporate support were evident throughout the visit, reflecting the company’s core values of being Accessible, Innovative, and Reliable.

At the Southeast Region Career and Technology Center (SRCTC), Class XI enjoyed a meal prepared by culinary students. Director Dan Spellerberg shared his passion for student-centered education and emphasized the strong partnership between SRCTC and NDSCS. He highlighted work-based learning as a powerful opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience while earning academic credit, benefiting both students and their communities.

Entrepreneurs Beau Goolsbey and Landon Mund of Dakota Dirt Coffee Company shared their experience starting a business in Milnor, North Dakota. They cited strong community support as a key factor in their success and reflected on lessons learned through trial, error, and perseverance. Their story reinforced that leadership skills are developed over time through experience and reflection.

The day also included a brief stop for photos with “Whopper,” the giant catfish along the Red River, before concluding at Minn-Dak Farmers Cooperative. Minn-Dak leaders highlighted innovations such as autonomous trucks and thermal drone technology. The cooperative employs more than 300 full-time workers year-round, along with additional seasonal and harvest staff, and utilizes sugar beet by-products to support the local livestock industry.

Day Three: Leading Through Growth

The final day took place at the new 44 Venue in Colfax, where a panel of local leaders, including Nathan Berseth, Bob Wurl, Perry Miller, and Amanda Fisher, shared their experiences leading organizations through growth and change. While their career paths varied, all panelists shared strong ties to the region and a commitment to their communities.

Their candid reflections on successes, failures, and leadership challenges resonated with Class XI. Key takeaways included the importance of not taking challenges personally, maintaining relationships, avoiding burned bridges, and seeking compromise. The panel served as a powerful reminder to persevere, remain grounded in values, and continue learning through every stage of leadership.

Conclusion

Seminar Two deepened Class XI’s understanding of leadership through hands-on learning, reflection, and engagement with education, industry, and community leaders in southeast North Dakota. By exploring emotional intelligence, leadership behaviors, workforce development, and the practice of modeling values during periods of growth, the cohort strengthened its ability to lead with intention and credibility. The experiences in Wahpeton and Colfax reinforced the importance of relationships, adaptability, and continuous learning as Class XI continues its leadership journey across the state.

Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors

Leader Corps

Benefactor Level ($10,000+):
AgCountry Farm Credit Services (additional funds for Class XI)

Member Level ($1,000+):
NSF AgTech Engine
The GROW Community Innovation Award

Program Sponsors

$500+:
Lincoln State Bank

$200+:
Kyle DeVries, Farmers Union Insurance Agent
Titan Machinery
44 Venue
BankForward

$100+:
City Brew Hall
NDSCS Ag Department