The first cohort of the University of Iowa’s new Foundations of Academic Leadership (FAL) program, an evolution of the Iowa Academic Leadership Academy (IALA), will begin Aug. 24. Designed for newly hired Departmental Executive Officers (DEOs), the program provides leadership development to help participants navigate the opportunities and challenges of leading academic departments.

The FAL program builds on the success of the IALA while refocusing it to better serve today’s academic leaders. Participants will continue to engage in leadership development and discussions with experienced campus leaders, but the updated format allows sessions to focus more directly on issues DEOs face. The biggest change to the program is the addition of a half-day orientation that provides the information and tools new DEOs need on day one, with eight supporting sessions throughout the academic year to build on that foundation.

“The Foundations of Academic Leadership program reflects our commitment to investing in the success of the faculty leaders who guide our academic departments,” says Barry Thomas, associate provost for faculty and strategic operations. “By tailoring the program to the responsibilities of DEOs, we’re providing practical leadership development that strengthens leaders while advancing the university’s strategic goals.”

Throughout the program, participants will explore topics including effective leadership, communication, strategic decision-making, resource stewardship, and fostering positive departmental cultures. Sessions also provide opportunities for participants to connect with colleagues from across the university, creating a network of peers who can continue sharing ideas and supporting one another long after the program concludes.

The evolution from the IALA to the FAL program reflects the university’s continued investment in preparing academic leaders for an increasingly complex higher education environment. By focusing specifically on DEO needs, the program offers practical guidance that participants can immediately apply within their departments.

For Electrical and Computer Engineering DEO Gary Christensen, who previously completed the IALA, one of the program’s greatest strengths was the opportunity to learn alongside colleagues from across campus.

“The program has set me up for success as a DEO. It gave me practical tools and processes for navigating difficult situations, strategies for preventing or minimizing personnel problems, and a trusted network of DEOs whom I could turn to for candid advice and support,” says Christensen.

Being in the program with DEOs from different disciplines also helped Christensen realize that department leaders across the university face many of the same challenges.

“Learning how others approached those challenges broadened my perspective and strengthened my judgement,” he says. “Most importantly, the academy helped me develop the skills to lead my department—not simply manage it.”

The first FAL cohort continues the university’s commitment to developing confident, collaborative academic leaders who are prepared to support faculty, staff, students, and the university's mission.