UHR manager development program launches this fall

In collaboration with the Professional and Scientific Council — and following a successful pilot with 14 Iowa State managers last fall — university human resources (UHR) will launch its inaugural ISU Manager Development Cohort Program this fall.

Delivered over a 10‑month period (September 2026-June 2027), the program offers comprehensive professional development for current and aspiring managers at Iowa State. Faculty and staff will strengthen core management skills while gaining practical, Iowa State-specific knowledge of resources, policies and processes to better support their teams and foster respectful, productive workplaces. Enrollment is limited to 16 participants and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. The program fee is $785 and once the program begins the fee is nonrefundable. This program is designed to complement other cohort-based development opportunities, such as the Emerging Leaders Academy.

"This manager development program is an exciting and important step forward for ISU," benefits director Ed Holland said. "UHR has invested significant time and expertise — working closely with campus partners — to create a program that builds capacity and supports long-term organizational success by equipping managers to lead with clarity, consistency and care."

The program features monthly, in-person sessions totaling 30 hours led by UHR professionals and campus partners. Each three-hour session focuses on a key stage of the employee life cycle, from understanding higher education and ISU’s organizational structure, to recruiting, onboarding, performance management, and employee well-being. Sessions emphasize discussion and peer learning and include contributions from partners such as public safety, environmental health and safety and the ombuds office.

"The program was a great opportunity to learn more about the wide range of services within UHR, which directly supported my work as a manager," said Michael Retallick, associate dean for personnel and finance in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and a pilot participant. "Equally valuable was the chance to connect with leaders across UHR. I would encourage managers at all experience levels to participate."