UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Applications are being sought for the Administrative Fellows Program for 2021-22. The program offers Penn State faculty and staff the opportunity to work with senior University officers to gain insight pertaining to the challenges of leadership in the academic community.
The program is jointly administered by the Office of the President and the Commission for Women and provides professional development opportunities for faculty and staff. By serving under the mentorship of a senior-level administrator, fellows who are seeking the background necessary to compete at higher levels of administration will have an opportunity to broaden their perspectives and experience.
Mentors for the 2021-22 academic year will be Nicholas Jones, executive vice president and provost; Lora Weiss, senior vice president for Research; and O. Richard Bundy, vice president for Development and Alumni Relations.
The objectives of the program are to increase the fellow’s awareness of the complexity of issues facing higher education and to enhance their understanding of the environment in which decisions are made; to provide opportunities for fellows to participate in a wide range of decision-making processes and learning activities to better equip them to understand the challenges of higher education administration; and to provide opportunities to observe a variety of leadership styles. Although completion of the program does not guarantee appointment to an administrative position at the University, individuals who complete the program increase the pool of qualified candidates.
To apply, candidates must hold full-time standing faculty or staff positions or fixed-term positions with at least five years of service. Candidates should demonstrate success in their current positions and have an interest in an administrative career; demonstrate evidence of leadership experience and decision-making ability; have the ability to relate effectively to students, faculty and staff; exhibit a commitment to diversity; and have a willingness to accept a wide variety of assignments.
Qualified candidates from all University campuses are strongly urged to apply. The starting dates of each fellowship will vary depending on the mentor’s office and the fellow’s commitments. Applications and additional information are available online and must be returned no later than Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021.