Big Ten Academic Alliance Leadership Development Opportunities

The Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA) offers a comprehensive range of leadership development programs designed for faculty and higher education administrators, bringing perspectives that are unique to individuals from large R1 universities. 

BTAA Academic Leadership Program (ALP)

BTAA Department Executive Officer (DEO) Seminars

BTAA Deans Leadership Program (DLP)

Iowa Academic Leadership Academy

Co-sponsored by the Office of the Executive Vice President and University Human Resources, the Iowa Academic Leadership Academy (IALA), formerly known as the DEO Leadership Program, is designed to support new or aspiring leaders (departmental executive officers, program directors, associate deans or other campus leaders) to make a successful transition to these key roles. The program is designed to be complementary to collegiate support for leaders. Competency-based content will be delivered via small cohorts and one-on-one mentoring tailored to individual needs and goals. There will also be an opportunity to meet and learn from key institutional leaders.

Program participants will experience:

  • Competency-based curriculum built upon national models and research
  • Cross-college cohort interactions with other leaders to discuss topics and challenges
  • Self-guided learning carried out in confidential one-on-one coaching sessions
  • Access to key resources, both people and tools, to assist with leadership issues as they emerge
  • Networking opportunities with seasoned campus leaders

Nominations for participation in the cohort must be submitted through collegiate deans and associate deans for faculty. Call for nominations will be sent late April/early May.

Competency-based Curriculum

The program includes content that will address: the transition to a new role, basic management skills, development of skills to successfully lead others, and development of a vision for your department and for yourself.

Group Sessions:

  • Mechanics of Being an Academic Leader
  • Leading People
  • Leading Change
  • Department Action Plan
  • Personal Leadership Growth

Executive Coaching Sessions

Participants meet one-on-one with trained Organization Effectiveness leadership coaches to clarify individual goals and develop tailored learning objectives.

Mentorship Programming

Teaming with a seasoned academic leader for one-on-one mentoring to discuss personal and professional goals as a leader and how to achieve those goals.

Networking Opportunities

Participants will develop cross-college cohort interactions with other leaders to discuss topics and challenges; network with seasoned campus leaders; and gain access to key resources, both people and tools, to assist with leadership issues as they emerge.

DEO Conversations with Campus Leaders

This program provides an opportunity for DEOs to speak directly with key campus leaders and network with other DEOs across colleges and disciplines. 

Conversation with Academic Leadership

September 20, 2023 | 8-9 am | via Zoom

Kevin C. Kregel, executive vice president and provost

Conversation with Research Leadership

October 18, 2023 | 8-9 am | via Zoom 

Marty Scholtz, vice president for research

Conversation with Financial Leadership

February 21, 2024 | 8-9 am | via Zoom 

Terry Johnson, university chief financial officer and treasurer
Susan Klatt, assistant vice president and director, Treasury Operations & Financial Management; university secretary
Don Szeszycki, associate vice president and director of administration and planning

Conversation with Student Affairs Leadership

March 6, 2024 | 8-9 am | via Zoom

Sarah Hansen, vice president for student life
Angie Reams, dean of students

DEO Workshops

All departmental executive officers (DEOs) are invited to participate in these workshops.

Leading through the Faculty Career Life Cycle

September 6, 2023 | 8-9:30 am | via Zoom

  • Overview of UI Faculty: Tracks, Ranks, Distribution, Demographics
  • Mapping Your Unit Faculty
  • Planning for and Managing Opportunities and Challenges of the Faculty Career Life Cycle
Mapping Your Departmental Faculty

Difficult Conversations/Managing Conflict

October 24, 2023 | 8-9:30 am | via Zoom

  • Discuss approaches to difficult conversations
  • Learn about campus resources for conflict resolution

Creating an Inclusive and Welcoming Environment for Faculty and Staff

November 8, 2023 | 8-9:30 am | via Zoom

  • Understanding the role of the DEO in developing a welcoming and inclusive culture

Conducting Annual Reviews

February 7, 2024 | 8-9:30 am | via Zoom

  • Understand the importance of the annual review
  • Learn to articulate the process for annual reviews
  • Appreciate the importance of establishing clear expectations for faculty participation
  • Documenting the outcome of the annual review

Managing Up, Down, and Sideways

March 26, 2024 | 8-9:30 am | via Zoom

  • Learn more about the various constituents to which the DEO is accountable
  • Learn more about managing varying and competing relationships

Care for Yourself and Others

April 23, 2024 | 8-9:30 am | via Zoom

  • Recognize the importance of resilience
  • Develop healthy habits for stress management

Deans, Directors, DEO Listserv

Maintained by UI Printing and Mailing Services; directed toward deans, directors, and departmental officers but also open to other subscribers.