Leadership Development at Penn State

At Penn State, we recognize that academic leadership is a journey—one that evolves throughout a faculty member’s career. Whether you're exploring your first leadership role, stepping into a new administrative position, or refining your skills as a seasoned academic leader, the university offers a robust suite of programs designed to support your growth every step of the way.

The Office of Faculty Affairs, through the Center for Faculty Development and Advancement, provides a comprehensive range of leadership development offerings tailored to meet the needs of:

  • Developing Leaders – Programs like Penn State Emerging Academic Leaders (PSEAL), the Administrative Fellows Program, and the Big Ten Academic Alliance Academic Leadership Program (ALP) are designed to help aspiring leaders understand the responsibilities and impact of academic leadership while building foundational skills and networks.
  • New Leaders – Workshops and learning opportunities such as the New Administrators Workshop and the BTAA Deans Leadership Program offer newly appointed academic unit heads, associate deans, and deans the tools, knowledge, and connections they need to succeed in their roles from the outset.
  • New and Experienced Leaders – Ongoing initiatives like the Academic Leadership Forums, Academic Unit Head Monthly Meetings, and the Deans Master Class provide structured spaces for collaboration, discussion, and skill-building across leadership roles.
  • Experienced Leaders – Programs like the Excellence in Academic Leadership (EAL) series and the BTAA Department Executive Officers Program support mid- to senior-level academic administrators in refining their strategies, managing complex challenges, and fostering inclusive, effective academic environments.

Leadership at Penn State is not just about managing people or processes—it's about vision, communication, collaboration, and transformation. Our programs are designed to build those capacities and connect faculty leaders to the resources, mentorship, and peer networks they need to thrive.

Explore the full range of leadership development opportunities and find the program that meets you where you are in your leadership journey.