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