Oglethorpe University President Kathryn McClymond recently received invitations to contribute to the Atlanta community and raise the university’s profile through Leadership Atlanta and the Atlanta Rotary Club.

McClymond was among 82 community leaders selected to participate in Leadership Atlanta’s Class of 2026 program. The class includes representatives from diverse industries who share a common desire to move Atlanta forward by delving deeply into community issues.

“We are delighted to introduce our 55th Class,” said Pat Upshaw-Monteith, president and chief executive officer. “It’s a privilege to uphold Leadership Atlanta’s legacy of uniting the region’s most influential, committed, and innovative leaders, all driven by a common goal of advancing our community. We eagerly anticipate the innovative ideas and initiatives that the Class of 2026 will contribute!”

During the nine-month program, McClymond and the members of her cohort will learn more about the region by participating in retreats, full-day seminars, service projects, discussion groups, community tours and other impactful experiential activities. In addition to exploring important regional issues, class members will critically examine themselves as leaders, challenge themselves to find ways to be more effective in their leadership roles, and build relationships of trust and mutual understanding with each other. The full Class of 2026 list is available at Leadership Atlanta’s website.

Leadership Atlanta is one of the oldest continuously running training programs of its type in the country. Formed in 1969, it quickly addressed the growing need for a trained cadre of leaders to move metro Atlanta towards unity and shared prosperity. The mission of Leadership Atlanta is to build a better community for everyone in the Atlanta region through education about the key issues facing the region and inspiring members and others to take on and exercise real leadership committed to serving the common good.

Beginning in May, McClymond has also been accepted into membership of the Rotary Club of Atlanta and is able to attend weekly meetings. Established in 1913, the Rotary Club of Atlanta has grown to be one of the most influential business and civic clubs in the world. With 460-plus members, Atlanta Rotary is one of the world’s largest Rotary Clubs. It is a longstanding tradition that every member of the Club must be a key leader in his or her field and a person of integrity who values community service.

“I am eager to contribute to the Atlanta community as an individual and find those areas of need Oglethorpe University can be a resource in addressing,” McClymond said. “It is truly an honor to be invited in the Class of 2026 with Leadership Atlanta, and I look forward to getting to know my classmates and engaging with the impressive group of leaders involved in the Atlanta Rotary Club.”