Leadership academy applications are due March 2

The office of the senior vice president and provost invites nominations for the 2026-27 cohort of the university's Emerging Leaders Academy (ELA). ELA supports the leadership development of faculty at the rank of associate professor or professor (term and tenured) and Professional and Scientific staff who work in leadership roles or aspire to them. 

The nomination deadline is Monday, March 2, and the 2026-27 cohort will be selected by April 15. Self-nominations aren't accepted.

Yearlong development

Throughout the academic year, members of the ELA cohort participate in monthly full-day sessions facilitated by experienced leaders and content experts. Employees selected for the cohort are expected to commit to all 10 meetings. In addition to strengthening essential leadership skills, participants collaborate on a team-based leadership development project relevant to campus. 

Tuition is $2,250, which can be covered by a combination of funding sources (general or non-general funds, ISU Foundation funds, advance commitment funds, etc.). 

New nomination process

A nomination includes three documents: one-page nomination letter, one-page nominee essay and two-page curriculum vitae or résumé.

ELA organizers are implementing a new nomination submission and review process this spring. All nomination materials must be submitted by March 2 through a Smartsheet form. 

1. The process begins when the nominee submits their essay and résumé/vitae. 
2. The form then automatically routes to the nominator, who uploads their required document. 
3. The completed nominations route to ELA administrative director Katharine Hensley, who compiles them by college or division and forwards them to the appropriate leaders for review and ranking.
4. The ELA leadership team reviews the ranked nominations and selects the cohort. 

Questions may be directed to Hensley.