Leadership Fayetteville
Apply to lead the city you love.
Leadership Fayetteville Class 40 is now accepting applications for the 2026–2027 program year. Join a cohort of forward-thinking professionals shaping the future of Northwest Arkansas — and take your place among 39 classes of community leaders who came before you.
Before You Apply
To be considered, please review the following requirements:
- Answer every question completely. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
- Keep responses within the space provided.
- A letter of reference is required with your submission.
- Both the applicant and their employer must sign the application. By signing, the employer agrees to the program's attendance policy.
- Full attendance is expected at every session. Review the session dates on the application before submitting to confirm your availability.
- Applicants or their employers must be current members of the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce.
- The deadline to apply is 5:00 PM on June 8, 2026.
Questions? We're happy to help — reach out anytime.
Where Leaders are Made
Leadership Fayetteville exists to grow informed, connected and inspired leaders who are ready to make a lasting impact on our community.
Through hands-on learning and behind-the-scenes access to Fayetteville’s most vital sectors, participants gain a deeper understanding of how our city works—and where their leadership can make a difference.
Our goal is to cultivate a network of passionate, forward-thinking individuals who bring their diverse perspectives, energy, and ideas to strengthen Fayetteville today and shape its future tomorrow.
Curriculum
Leadership Fayetteville is a ten month journey designed to inspire, connect, and equip emerging leaders to make an impact in our community. From August through June, participants engage in monthly, full-day sessions — beginning with an introduction and two day opening retreat, followed by a two day trip to Little Rock and nine immersive, day long experiences.
Most sessions run from 8am to 5pm, and full participation is expected. Each class member contributes to three collaborative group projects and several individual assignments throughout the year, putting leadership into practice in meaningful, real-world ways.
Sample Schedule
2025-2026 LEADERSHIP FAYETTEVILLE
Class XXXIX Session Schedule
August 14
Class Announcement
August 21-22
Opening Retreat***
September 11
Social Services
October 9
NWA Economic Development
November 8
Walton College MBA Program
November 13
History/Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
December 11
Education
January 8
Healthcare
February 12
Local Government
March 11-12
State Government- Little Rock***
April 9
University of Arkansas
May 14
Quality of Life and Community
June 11
Call to Action/Graduation
***required
Attendance & Participation
To get the most out of Leadership Fayetteville, full participation is essential. The program includes nine full day sessions and two overnight experiences designed to build lasting connections and real world leadership skills. Participants are expected to attend every session in its entirety.
Participants who miss any portion of a session are required to make up the time through additional community engagement points. Missing more than eight hours total may result in dismissal from the program, and tuition is non-refundable. Attendance at both the opening retreat and the State Leadership trip to Little Rock is mandatory—no exceptions.
Graduation from Leadership Fayetteville requires full participation in all sessions, with most days running from 8am to 5pm.
What’s the Cost?
Tuition is $2,000, due upon acceptance. A limited number of scholarships are available. Applications open each April.
Questions? Contact Jennifer Irwin at jirwin@fayettevillear.com
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