Professional Development

Investing in Growth

The Professional Development committee prioritizes the growth of P&S employees by offering monthly events and an annual full-day conference focused on personal and professional development. These opportunities help employees build skills, access resources, and connect with colleagues across campus.

Professional Development 

Professional development for Professional and Scientific Employees at Iowa State University has long been a priority for the Professional and Scientific Council. We believe that investing in your personal and professional growth is also an investment in the university’s success. Through the work of the Professional Development Committee and the Professional Development Conference Sub-Committee, the council hosts monthly Seminar Series events and plans an annual full-day conference. These offerings focus on topics relevant to P&S employees and are designed to support their ongoing development. The goals of these activities are to help employees build new skills, strengthen existing ones, access valuable resources, connect with others, and engage in meaningful conversations.

Connect with the Professional Development Committee at pands-pd@iastate.edu.

Each year the Professional Development committee organizes a conference designed for P&S employees. This conference is the perfect opportunity to invest in your personal growth, expand your skills, and contribute to your long-term success within the university. Whether you're looking to improve your technical capabilities, refine your soft skills, or stay ahead of workplace trends, there’s something here for you. More information about the 2026 conference will be provided in the fall.

The Professional and Scientific Council hosts presentations, seminars, and workshops on topics of relevance to P&S employees through our Council Seminar Series. The Seminar Series events are led by our Professional Development Committee (pands-pd@iastate.edu), and announcements for upcoming events are made via the Council Newsletter. All P&S employees and guests are welcome to attend. Please join us and bring questions for the speaker(s).

You can pre-register for all events and attend virtual events in Workday Learning.  If you are not familiar with Workday Learning, you can find instructions through this Knowledge Base Article.

Upcoming Seminar Series Events:

Meet the Committee

Nellie Corning

Operations & Finance - Finance Service Delivery
Professional Development Committee -Chair

Anindita Das

Academic Affairs - College of Design
Professional Development Committee

Laura Graves

Academic Affairs - Ames National Laboratory
Professional Development Committee

Ashlee Hovell

Operations & Finance - Finance Service Delivery
Professional Development Committee

Ellen Johnsen

Academic Affairs - Extension & Outreach
Professional Development Committee

Steve Kohtz

Operations & Finance - Facilities Planning & Management
Professional Development Committee

Steve Kopecky

Academic Affairs - College of Health & Human Sciences
Professional Development Committee

Tyler Lennon

Student Affairs - Dean of Student's Office
Professional Development Committee

Jody Nolte

Operations & Finance - Payroll & Tax
Professional Development Committee

Liz Remus

President's Division - ITS
Professional Development Committee

Melissa Warg

Operations & Finance - Ames National Labortary
Professional Development Committee