Leadership Duncan
Leadership Duncan is a community leadership development program of the Duncan Chamber of Commerce. It has been established to promote individual leadership skills that will better serve our community and surrounding area. Residents and persons employed in Stephens County are encouraged to apply and participate in this program.
Graduates from this 10-month program enter the community with the leadership skills necessary to work effectively toward the growth and development of Duncan.
What to expect:
- Improve your overall understanding of Duncan, its processes, interrelationships, strengths, and needs; how state legislation and state departments impact Duncan services; the history of our Duncan leadership; who the current leaders are; and how they got there.
- Increase your awareness of leadership opportunities in Duncan, the variety of leadership styles and levels, and how to become part of a Leadership network.
- Learn or enhance your leadership skills by applying them throughout the course, through skills development exercises, lectures, and presentations. Consciously note where the skills are used, how they are used, or when they are misused, and observe when the presence of these skills enhances communication, learning, and effectiveness.
2026-2027 Class 31 Schedule
Aug. 4, 2026 – Class Mixer
Aug. 7 & 8, 2026 – Retreat
Sept. 8, 2026 – Culture/Quality of Life
Oct. 13, 2026 – Politics
Nov. 10, 2026 – Local Government
Dec. 8, 2026 – Social Services
Jan. 12, 2027 – Economic Development
Feb. 9, 2027 – Education
Mar. 9, 2027 – Leadership Day at the Capitol
Apr. 13, 2027 – Health Services
May 11, 2027 – Graduation
Thank you to our 2026-27 Leadership Duncan Sponsors!
Class 31 Mixer
Mixer Sponsor
WILLIAM A. GOSSETT
ATTORNEY AT LAW
Class 31 Retreat
Two-Day Retreat Sponsor
Culture & Quality of Life Day
Session Sponsor
Lunch Sponsor
Duncan Chisholm Trail Kiwanis
Politics Day
Session Sponsor
Lunch Sponsor
Local Government Day
Session Sponsor
Lunch Sponsor
Social Services Day
Lunch Sponsors
Economic Development Day
Session Sponsor
Lunch Provided by
Education Day
Session Sponsor
Lunch Sponsor
Day at the Capitol
Session Sponsor
Lunch Provided by
Health Services Day
Session Sponsor
Nametag Sponsor
Transportation Sponsor
Class Session Descriptions
Culture & Quality of Life – Learn more about the cultural and historical background of Duncan and its citizens. Determine how local arts and activities contribute to culture and quality of life in Duncan. Visualize how future Leadership Duncan subjects contribute to the quality of life in our area. Encourage involvement in our community through participation in nonprofit organizations. Leadership Skill: Staying on Task (Time Management); Volunteerism.
Politics – Develop better awareness of the importance of political activity in our daily lives, at the local, state and federal levels. Develop a preliminary understanding of effective advocacy and its use in the political process. Leadership Skill: Advocacy.
Local Government – To gain an understanding of the local government process and examine the complexities and scope of the City of Duncan and Stephens County. To learn about the importance of fiscal responsibility and cooperation between multiple governments and governmental agencies. To learn the integral roles each government entity plays both individually and collectively and the citizens role in the local government process. Leadership Skill: Community Engagement; Citizenship.
Social Services – Gain a better understanding of what social services are; what social services are available in our community; and how to access needed services. Leadership Skills: Community Awareness, Observation, Critical Thinking, Generational Dynamics.
Economic Development – Learn about the different tools and approaches to creating a healthy climate for economic growth. Define the elements of strategic planning and associate them to the process. Educate citizens about the different tools and approaches to creating a healthy climate for economic growth Leadership Skill: Process Development.
Education – To gain knowledge of the STEM/Career Pathways initiative in the Duncan Educational community. Learn about local demographics & needs. Appreciate the mission of different components of public education. To learn about the higher education degree opportunities through Cameron University. To learn about the educational opportunities for students enrolled in the Red River Technology Center. Leadership Skills: Observation and evaluation of current local and state educational initiatives and issues. Observation and compare/contrast educational programs in the Duncan Area. (Homework Assignment to Visit and Interview Staff at Elementary Site Locations).
State Government – To educate citizens about the process Oklahoma government operates when passing legislation and fiscal budgeting for state agencies. Leadership Skill: Learn to become more flexible.
Health Education – To gain knowledge regarding the various health care agencies in Stephens County. To become familiar with the specific services at Duncan Regional Hospital and Elk Crossing Nursing and Rehabilitation, and the impact changes in the healthcare market have on these organizations. To understand the impact that mental illness and addiction have on our state and local community. Experience an inspirational example of community leadership. Leadership Skills: Interviewing, Documentation, Observation, and Reporting (Homework Assignment to Visit and Interview Staff at Various Health Care Entities).