Staff Professional Development Academy

NIU aspires to develop a workplace culture that provides opportunities for growth and collaboration, supports individual/team success and prioritizes professional development. NIU is also committed to building shared leadership at organizational, team and individual levels.

The Staff Professional Development Academy is a yearlong, cohort style program that both promotes professional development and creates a network of leaders across campus. We aim to have diverse cohorts with representation across campus and encourage staff at all levels to apply.

Goals and Structure

If selected to participate, you’ll:

• Learn about NIU’s goals, operations and governance, as well as the current higher education landscape
• Have opportunities to build leadership skills, such as consensus building, conflict resolution, self-awareness and creating shared goals
• Be matched with a mentor

You’ll attend in-person meetings once per month during the fall and spring semesters. You’ll also attend monthly meetings with your mentor. 

Eligibility

If you’re a permanent, 12-month, SPS or civil service employee, you’re eligible to apply (except SPS with rank or tenure). Supervisors can also nominate employees to be invited to apply.

You should have:

• A minimum of one cumulative year of service at NIU by the application deadline
• The support of your supervisor and/or department head

How to Apply

A call for applications is sent out by the Office of the President each spring. The application includes:

• Current résumé
• Letter of interest (up to 500 words) indicating your interest in and expectations for the program, as well as your career goals
• Evaluation form completed by your immediate supervisor

2026-2027 Cohort

• Jessie Alex, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• Jamie Brown, College of Education
• Jasmine Carey, P-20 Center
• Sharon Collins, Financial Aid and Scholarship Office
• Laura Fehling, Campus Sustainability
• Jim Fitzjarrell, Architectural and Engineering Services
• James Gable, Research Compliance, Integrity and Safety
• Sam Glaab-Lanigan, Gender and Sexuality Resource Center
• Julie Gommel Bailey, Center for Governmental Studies
• Joe Hooker, Grounds
• Rob Kerschke, Campus Dining Services
• Dana King, Alumni Services
• Abby Lund, Budget and Financial Planning
• Emily Reilly, Office of Student Engagement
• Sadie Schaus, Office of Research Development
• Paige Shinberg, Intercollegiate Athletics