UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Office of Faculty Affairs, in collaboration with Penn State Human Resources, has announced that applications are now open for the Fall 2026 session of the Penn State Emerging Academic Leaders (PSEAL) program. This program fosters the growth of Penn State faculty members looking to enhance their leadership skills.
“The Emerging Academic Leaders program provides faculty with a strong foundation in leadership while building a supportive community of peers,” said Ann Clements, associate vice provost for Faculty Affairs.
The PSEAL program is open to all full-time tenured or non-tenure-line faculty members at Penn State who have been promoted to the second rank (typically the associate level). It is specifically geared toward faculty who do not currently hold an academic administrator role or have served in that role for less than two years. An academic administrator is defined as a department or division head, school director, director of academic affairs at campuses, associate dean, or administrator of higher rank.
This program offers a unique opportunity for eligible faculty and new administrators to develop their leadership skills in a supportive and dynamic environment.
Applications for the Fall 2026 PSEAL program are open through Friday, March 6, with notifications of acceptance to be made in early May. This schedule allows ample time for participants to prepare for their leadership journey.
The program features a robust mentorship component that includes being mentored by an academic administrator and mentoring new faculty in the New Faculty Network program.
Intensive sessions, which consist of instructor-led seminars and self-directed learning activities, will be held on Fridays from 2 to 5 p.m. throughout the fall semester. The program culminates in a personal leadership philosophy statement and a development action plan.
“While leadership development is the program’s primary goal, many graduates have gone on to lead centers, institutes, and academic units or serve as administrative fellows,” Clements added.
The PSEAL program is a platform for personal growth and a means to contribute significantly to the Penn State community and beyond. For additional information about the program and application details, visit the Penn State Emerging Academic Leaders website.
Questions can also be directed to Clements at acc13@psu.edu.