AgrIInstitute Gala Celebrates Growing Leadership

“Growing new leaders is our responsibility.” Jay Akridge told the Indiana’s “who’s who” of ag leadership assembled at the 2026 AgrIInstitute Gala. Akridge’s leadership credentials allow him to make such a statement as he is the trustee chair in teaching and learning excellence and a professor of agricultural economics at Purdue University, former Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Diversity at Purdue as well as former Dean of the School of Agriculture. AgrIInstitute has been focused on growing leaders for over four decades, and Akridge’s keynote reminder reinforced the necessity of leadership development.

Brianna Schroeder, a graduate of Ag Leadership Program (ALP), serves on the Board of Directors of the organization, and believes in the transformational power of the program. “This leadership program broadened my view of the world and has enriched my career through experiences and an amazing network,” she says.

The Gala celebrated the completion of Class 21 of the ALP Program, and served as the official announcement of Class 22. The Indiana Agricultural Leadership Program (ALP) provides individuals involved in agriculture and related industries and those who serve rural communities with the opportunity to improve leadership skills, gain understanding and develop the expertise needed to provide leadership in public and private service for their businesses and communities. Beginning in 1983, this highly acclaimed professional development opportunity prepares leaders at all career stages to advance agriculture.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to watch the new ALP class lean into leadership and be part of this program to lead Indiana agriculture into the future,” Schroeder said.

Photo: Elizabeth Bowman, Jeffrey Bowman who is part of Class 22, Brianna Schroeder, and Drew Sherman, Class 21 member