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Sixteen staff chosen to participate in Professional Development Academy

September 5, 2022

The Staff Professional Development Academy, a new program spearheaded by Chief of Staff Matt Streb, and President Staff Fellow Michaela Holtz has launched this fall with 16 participants representing a variety of university departments.

The 2022-23 Staff Professional Development Academy cohort.

“The Staff Professional Development Academy further promotes and sustains President Freeman’s commitment to a culture of shared leadership at NIU,” says Holtz.

This new program, open to all full-time, non-academic civil service and SPS employees, focuses on professional growth and leadership skill enhancement by exposing participants to multiple facets of the university including setting goals, understanding operations, participating in shared governance and learning the current higher education landscape.

Individuals selected for the inaugural cohort of the academy include:

  • Carrie Aldrich, Disability Resource Center
  • Yuko Asada, School of Music
  • Heidi Carlson, Holmes Student Center
  • Cody Carter, University Advancement
  • Linda Condon, University Honors Program
  • Melanie Costello, Lorado Taft Field Campus
  • Kellie Dyslin, Division of Research and Innovation Partnerships
  • Steph Horgan, Department of Management
  • Daniel Leiker, Public Safety, Administration and Finance
  • Destiny McDonald, Office of Student Engagement and Experiential Learning
  • Julie Ann O’Connell, Nonprofit and NGO Studies
  • Nancy Prange, Department of Nutrition
  • Yasmina Sefiane, Center for Child Welfare and Education and
  • Lauren Teso-Warner, Housing and Residential Services
  • Patricia Wallace, Office of Research Compliance, Integrity and Safety
  • Passion Williamson-Bandele, College of Health and Human Sciences Advising Office

“I am really honored to be participating in the inaugural Staff Professional Development Academy. This program is a testament to the importance NIU is placing on staff development,” said Linda Condon, an advisor in the University Honors Program. “This is a unique opportunity to engage with university leadership as well as peers from around the university.”

NIU Police Officer Dan Leiker shares the sentiment.

“The Leadership Academy offers a great opportunity to meet talented professionals throughout the university and learn from them,” he said. “I want to use this experience to increase my leadership potential.”

The cohort for the 2023-24 academic year will be selected during the spring.

“The academy enhances the skill sets and leadership skills of participants,” said Passion Williamson-Bandele from the School of Nursing. “I intend to take full advantage of this opportunity and would encourage others to do so as well.”