Leadership is pivotal in shaping organizations and societies, and cultural and contextual factors influence its processes. This study explores the leadership dynamics within an agricultural university in Central America, aiming to understand leadership development from a faculty perspective. The objectives were to (1) examine the leadership process, (2) identify key leadership competencies, and (3) explore strategies for fostering student leadership development. Using an instrumental case study design, the research employed a constructivist paradigm to delve into the experiences of faculty members involved in mentoring students. Data were collected through 12 one-on-one interviews via Zoom, and the study adhered to credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability criteria. Thematic analysis revealed four main themes regarding the leadership process: Influence and Guidance, Collaboration and Empowerment, Responsibility and Decision-making, and Leadership Development and Natural Hierarchies. Effective leadership competencies identified included communication, empathy, and strategic vision. Faculty members highlighted the importance of clear communication, active listening, and fostering empathy to connect with students. Additionally, they emphasized the need for a strategic vision to navigate challenges and ensure long-term success. The study also explored strategies for leadership development, identifying curriculum integration, experiential learning, community responsibility, and critical thinking as key components. The findings suggest that leadership development should be embedded within academic curricula and co-curricular activities, with hands-on experiences playing a critical role. The study concludes that universities in socio-economic contexts like Central America should prioritize community engagement and social responsibility in leadership development programs. Further research is needed to assess the long-term impacts of leadership development initiatives and explore the role of technology in enhancing leadership skills.