UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State Office of Faculty Affairs has launched the Center for Faculty Development and Advancement (CFDA), a new hub for faculty and administrators that will bring together professional development opportunities, original programming, mentoring resources and faculty recognition under one unified umbrella.
The CFDA will serve as the University’s primary destination for faculty professional growth, making it easier than ever for faculty members at all stages of their careers to find the resources they need. The center will serve as a portal to professional development offerings currently offered across colleges, Commonwealth Campuses and the Office of Faculty Affairs, while also launching new initiatives that strengthen career advancement.
“Penn State faculty are at the heart of our teaching, research, and service mission,” said Kathy Bieschke, senior vice provost. “The center is designed to empower them at all stages of their career by connecting resources, celebrating achievements and providing a clear pathway to career success.”
Visitors to the CFDA’s new website will find a comprehensive, University-wide calendar highlighting workshops, seminars and training sessions across the University. This calendar will enable faculty to easily view available opportunities and register for programs that align with their goals and schedules. Programs offering professional development are encouraged to add their events to the common calendar. The site will also feature a searchable awards database to help faculty discover, prepare for and pursue recognition opportunities.
The CFDA’s mission goes beyond providing a calendar or database; its programs aim to directly address the evolving needs of faculty at every stage of their careers, from new faculty members navigating their first years at Penn State to senior faculty seeking to expand their leadership roles. The center will house initiatives such as workshops to strengthen faculty connections and guidance, leadership development programs for emerging and experienced academic leaders, professional development councils and networks to ensure offerings remain timely and inclusive and career support tools that empower faculty to grow, advance and thrive.
By consolidating resources and raising the visibility of professional development, the CFDA represents a significant advancement in Penn State’s efforts to support faculty success. It reflects the University’s strategic priority of investing in its people and building an academic environment where faculty feel engaged, recognized and supported.
“The CFDA creates a clear, central place for faculty and administrators to turn when they are asking ‘What’s next for me?’” said Ann Clements, associate vice provost and director of the CFDA. “Whether it’s professional development, unique leadership opportunities or recognition, the center is designed to help every faculty member chart a course for long-term success.”
The CFDA will officially launch this week, coinciding with the start of the fall semester. According to Clements, with its comprehensive website, consolidated programming and expanded recognition efforts, the center aims to transform the way Penn State faculty access support, connect with opportunities and envision their careers. As Penn State continues to evolve, Clements added, the CFDA will ensure that faculty remain at the center of the University’s mission, and are equipped with the tools, networks and recognition they need to succeed.
To learn more about the Office of Faculty Affairs, visit facultyaffairs.psu.edu.