Professional Excellence Program at Iowa State University
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Call for Participants: 2025-2026 Cohort
Iowa State University is pleased to announce applications are now being accepted for the inaugural Professional Excellence Program Workshops. This professional development opportunity is designed for Iowa State University faculty, staff, and post-doctoral professionals at all career stages who are seeking to enhance their leadership skills and professional growth.
Program Overview
The Professional Excellence Program is a cohort-based professional development series featuring five interactive workshops and a final networking session from October 2025 through April 2026. Participants will engage in 90-minute monthly workshops (11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.) designed to foster professional growth in the workplace. The inaugural cohort will be limited to 25-30 participants for optimal interaction and engagement.
Ideal Candidates
- University faculty and staff
- Employees at all career levels
- Individuals seeking to break down silos between academic and administrative units
- Faculty and staff who are interested in creating cross-departmental professional networks
Commitment
Selected participants commit to:
- Attend all five workshops and the final networking session
- Actively engage in the monthly workshops
- Contribute to the development of informal support networks
- Complete pre- and post-workshop assessments
Program Schedule
- October 9, 2025: Your Professional Identity: Strengths, Values & Growth
- November 6, 2025: Strategic Communication & Influence
- December 4, 2025: Breaking Silos: Workplace Innovation and Effectiveness
- February 12, 2026: Vision, Mentorship, and Institutional Influence
- March 12, 2026: Beyond the Paycheck: Building Financial Confidence & Clarity
- April 9, 2026: Forward Together: A Celebration of Growth and Community
Workshop Format
Each 90-minute workshop includes:
- Expert presentations on key concepts
- Interactive components (case studies, role-play exercises, or skill-building activities)
- Small group discussions and problem-solving exercises
- Career mapping and self-assessment opportunities
- Comprehensive digital resource materials
- Customized professional excellence GPTs
Outcomes for Participants
- Development of professional skills specific to higher education
- Enhanced understanding of university governance and advancement pathways
- Creation of cross-departmental connections and collaborations
- Improved professional capabilities and growth opportunities
- Strategies for thriving in your personal and career goals
Application Process
- Application opens: August 7, 2025
- Application deadline: August 31, 2025
- Notification date: September 15, 2025
- Departmental and public announcement of cohort: September 26, 2025
The application for this year’s cohort is closed.
Questions
Contact Dr. Carrie Ann Johnson, program leader (carrieaj@iastate.edu)
This program is made possible through funding from Office of the President’s Strategic Funds Initiative.