UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Applications are being sought for the Administrative Fellows Program for 2026-27. 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. Applicants must be full-time tenure-line, term non-tenure-line faculty (who hold appointments of five consecutive years or longer) and no term faculty and regular staff employees who have held appointments of five consecutive years or longer.
To make this program accessible to faculty who are deeply engaged in research and graduate student supervision, faculty applicants may now apply at less than a 100%-time commitment, but not below 50%.
“We recognize that faculty with active labs, studios, and graduate supervision responsibilities often face unique challenges when pursuing leadership development opportunities,” said Ann Clements, associate vice provost for Faculty Affairs. “By offering the option to participate at less than 100% time, we’re making this program more accessible and encouraging greater participation from those deeply engaged in research and creative work.”
The program enables participants to strengthen their administrative talents and qualifications by working with a Penn State administrator in a mentoring relationship. Fellows increase their understanding of the context within which decisions are made and gain an enhanced understanding of the various units across the University.
Mentors for the 2026-27 academic year will be Fotis Sotiropoulos, executive vice president and provost; Renata Engel, vice president for the Commonwealth Campuses and executive chancellor; and Jennifer Wilkes, vice president for Human Resources and chief human resources officer. The program begins in early August and ends the following July.
An information session is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 10, from 4 to 5 p.m. via Zoom. The meeting is for those interested in the program and is designed to allow past fellows to answer questions about the fellowship and the program’s application and interview process. If you are interested in attending the information session or would like more information about the program, please see the Center for Faculty Development and Advancement website.