The Nebraska Water Leaders Academy bridges technical expertise with collaborative problem-solving to address complex water management challenges.
Explore the AcademyIn an era of increasing climate variability and competing water demands, the complex challenge of water management cannot be solved by science and policy alone. It requires a new kind of leader—one who can bridge technical expertise with collaborative problem-solving skills.
Balancing agricultural needs with sustainable water use practices.
Managing water resources to mitigate flood risks and protect communities.
Addressing water quality issues through effective policy and management.
Consider the predicament: major Nebraska water issues typically involve an array of players—local stakeholders, natural resources districts, irrigation boards, state regulators, and sometimes even neighboring state governments 1 . Success in this complex landscape demands more than just scientific knowledge; it requires the leadership skills to build consensus among diverse stakeholders.
"We need to increase our leadership capacity to be able to match the increasing complexity of the natural resources and the environmental changes that are going on"
This pressing need catalyzed the creation of the Nebraska Water Leaders Academy in 2011, founded through a partnership between the Nebraska State Irrigation Association and the University of Nebraska 1 3 . The academy represents an innovative approach to developing professionals who can navigate the intricate intersection of water science, policy, and human collaboration.
The Nebraska Water Leaders Academy emerged from a recognized need to cultivate the next generation of water professionals. The thinking behind its creation was practical and forward-looking.
Then executive director of the Nebraska State Irrigation Association, had previously conducted a successful leadership academy for the groundwater well drilling profession 3 .
Then president of the Nebraska State Irrigation Association, recognized the potential application of the leadership academy concept to the broader water industry 3 .
"As Lee and I were first discussing the idea for the academy, I was president of the NSIA. The question on my mind was, 'Where are all our leaders?' That's why I thought Lee's idea was superb."
With founding support from Diamond Plastics and subsequent funding from the Nebraska Environmental Trust, the academy launched in 2011 with a multidisciplinary approach that blends water science, law and policy, and leadership development 1 3 . This three-pillar foundation addresses the complete skill set required for effective water management in today's complex regulatory and environmental landscape.
The Nebraska Water Leaders Academy is a year-long professional development program that immerses early to mid-career professionals in water management topics while building critical relationships.
The academy comprises six two-day sessions held throughout the year in different locations across Nebraska 1 3 . Each session brings 15-25 professionals together to develop expertise across three foundational pillars:
Climate and weather patterns, Nebraska's unique geology, regional water needs, and water-public health relationships 1 .
Nebraska water law, history and role of Natural Resources Districts, and interstate water compacts 1 .
Strategic communication, communicating across differences, risk communication, and leadership skills 1 .
A distinctive feature of the program is its mobile classroom model, which takes participants across Nebraska to witness diverse water management challenges and solutions firsthand 3 .
Starting point with observation of the sandhill crane migration 3 .
Examining urban water management challenges 3 .
Exploring irrigation in "the Nile Valley of Nebraska" 3 .
Boat trip down the Niobrara River to understand recreational water uses 3 .
Focusing on the history and politics of the Missouri River 3 .
"I had never been to the Panhandle to see how surface and groundwater work together to keep the economy going. Or to Omaha to see how Papio-Missouri NRD works to protect against flooding"
Admission to the academy is competitive, with an open enrollment period from early September to early December. Applicants must submit:
The total tuition for the program is $2,000, though organizers note the actual cost per participant ranges between $5,000-$6,000. The difference is covered through Nebraska Environmental Trust funds and private supporters. Scholarship support is available for participants who lack necessary funds 3 .
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A cornerstone of the academy experience is the team project component, where participants collaborate to address genuine Nebraska water issues.
Identifying rehabilitation options for Lake Babcock at Columbus beyond traditional dredging, with findings shared with the Loup Power District 1 .
Prioritizing areas for wellhead protection delineation, with results provided to the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy 1 .
Compiling climate data resources on the Platte River watershed for use by Audubon Great Plains and other stakeholders 1 .
"We reach out to alumni for ideas so the class can work together collaboratively on a real-world issue, to fill a gap that isn't being filled for lack of resources or whatever"
These projects address genuine needs in Nebraska's water management landscape. The team projects not only provide practical experience but also deliver tangible benefits to water management organizations across the state.
The Nebraska Water Leaders Academy represents a natural experiment in developing environmental leaders with a structured approach to leadership development.
Early to mid-career professionals from diverse water sectors.
One year with six immersive two-day sessions.
Multidisciplinary instruction from University of Nebraska faculty and extension educators.
Cross-sector networking, geographical immersion, and team-based applied projects.
With 216 alumni to date, the academy's impact is demonstrated through both quantitative and qualitative measures 1 . Many graduates have assumed significant leadership positions.
Alumni Network
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"It's always fun to hear what their plans are, and then to follow up and see that, yes, they did it"
The success of the Nebraska Water Leaders Academy stems from its strategic combination of conceptual frameworks and practical resources.
| Resource | Function in Leadership Development |
|---|---|
| Multidisciplinary Faculty | University experts providing science, law, and policy instruction 1 |
| Geographical Immersion | Site visits across diverse ecological regions reveal varying water challenges 1 3 |
| Cross-Sector Cohorts | Diverse professional backgrounds foster perspective-taking and network building 1 |
| Real-World Team Projects | Application of learning to genuine water management challenges 1 |
| Alumni Network | 216 professionals providing ongoing consultation and mentoring opportunities 1 |
| Stakeholder Engagement | Regular interaction with water managers, growers, and policymakers 1 |
"taught me the complexity and diversity involving all water uses across the state of Nebraska. This made me recognize the value of this resource and the importance to work with others within the water industry, to help create fair water policy"
The Nebraska Water Leaders Academy represents an innovative and proven approach to addressing one of the most critical challenges in natural resource management.
As Lee Orton succinctly states when asked about replicating the model in other states: "I don't know how they can get on without one, frankly. It is imperative to train the next generation of water resources professionals to understand policy issues and to be good leaders" 3 .
The program's success demonstrates that technical knowledge alone is insufficient for solving complex water management challenges. By intentionally blending scientific understanding with leadership development and relationship-building across traditional sector boundaries, the academy creates professionals capable of finding common ground among diverse stakeholders.
As water scarcity and management challenges intensify nationwide, the Nebraska Water Leaders Academy offers a transferable model for cultivating the leadership capacity essential for sustainable water futures. Its multidisciplinary approach, emphasis on practical application, and focus on building collaborative networks provides a blueprint for other regions seeking to develop their own catalysts for change in water resource management.
The ultimate measure of the academy's success may be best captured by Mark Burbach's reflection on following participants' progress: "It's always fun to hear what their plans are, and then to follow up and see that, yes, they did it" 1 . With over 200 alumni now influencing water management across Nebraska and beyond, the academy continues to develop leaders who are indeed catalyzing meaningful change in how we manage our most precious natural resource.