In 1998, Southwest Minnesota State University engaged the Humphrey Institute and Extension at the University of Minnesota on a two-year research and development project. Their study led to the development of a two-year program plan, and the first MARL class was selected in 2000, with the first MARL seminar in November of that year. Since then, new classes have begun every two years. Today, MARL is known throughout the state as the premier agriculture and rural leadership development program.

Tim Alcorn served as the founding Executive Director of MARL from its inception until March 2011, when he accepted another assignment at Southwest Minnesota State University. Dan Hoffman led MARL from January 2012 until his retirement in January 2015. Olga Reuvekamp was named Executive Director in March 2015 and served in this role until October 2022. Brad Schloesser, MARL Class XII Alumnus, administers the program today from the MARL office at SMSU in Marshall, and he began in his new role in December 2022. He currently supports MARL Class Members, Alumni, and Sponsors, promoting the agriculture industry, leadership, and rural community vitality in this role. Brad works virtually from wherever agricultural events are conducted to support our state’s best agriculture & rural leadership program.

Toby Spanier (since 2019), Leadership Extension Specialist with the University of Minnesota Extension, serves as the current Program Leader. Before that, Christy Kallevig (2018-2022) was teamed with Toby as co-program leaders, providing expertise in curriculum development and delivery. Toby’s office is located at the University of Minnesota Extension Regional Office in Willmar. They followed founding Program Leaders Mike Liepold and Eriks Dunens in their role. Brad and Toby work collaboratively in support of the MARL Program. A unique and productive fit for the two systems that support MARL cooperatively: Southwest Minnesota State University, an institution of Minnesota State Colleges & Universities, and the University of Minnesota Extension Program.

MARL’s Board of Directors directs the advice and guidance.