The Professional Excellence Program focuses on enhancing faculty and staff retention through targeted professional development through a series of five workshops and two networking sessions (November – April) in 90-minute formats.
The sessions provide professional skills development, professional communication training, and cross-disciplinary networking opportunities to support career advancement while building relationships across campus units. Workshop participants also leave the program with a digital toolkit they can personalize and use in their unique institutional roles.
By investing in professional growth, Iowa State University works to attract and retain top talent, strengthen human capital, and foster collaboration and innovation.
Goals and Objectives
Improve faculty and staff retention
- Address retention by supporting growth and career advancement
- Create a welcoming and respectful environment where faculty and staff are recognized for their positive contributions to excellence
Foster professional excellence
- Promote lifelong learning and skill development
- Enhance the university’s human capital and ensure faculty and staff are well-equipped to succeed in their roles
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: September 18, 2026
- Application Deadline: October 9, 2026
- Notification Date: October 19, 2026
- Departmental and public announcement of cohort: October 26, 2026
To apply for this year’s cohort, please complete the online application here.
2026-2027 Program Schedule
- November 2, 2026: Welcome Lunch
- November 16, 2026: Your Professional Identity: Strengths, Values & Growth
- December 7, 2026: Breaking Silos: Workplace Innovation and Effectiveness
- February 1, 2027: Strategic Communication & Influence
- March 1, 2027: Beyond the Paycheck: Building Financial Confidence & Clarity
- April 5, 2027: Forward Together: A Celebration of Growth and Community
Online Tool Kits
The Career Values, Passion, and Purpose Coach is a personalized AI coach designed to help you explore your core values, passions, and sense of purpose at work.
The Communication Coach for Professional Chats is a personalized AI coach designed to help you plan and rehearse high-stakes or difficult workplace conversations.
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.