EEE Administrative Director Dr. Nina Robinson was selected as a member of the Purdue Engineering Staff Leadership Academy (PESLA) Cohort 1.0 via a highly competitive process. After successfully completing the program, Dr. Robinson went on to serve as a member of the Leadership Team that guided Cohorts 2.0 and 3.0 through this two-year professional development experience.

PESLA prepares professional and management staff to become more effective leaders within their units, as well as valuable contributors to broader institutional goals. Through real-world case studies, small group discussions, and interactive presentations, PESLA encourages staff to think beyond their administrative areas and lead in ways that support larger institutional objectives. They gain a deeper understanding of how different units function and will be able to incorporate broader strategic considerations into your management decisions. PESLA provides the tools and insight to think more strategically, balance competing demands on your time, and engage in more forward- thinking leadership.

Left to Right: Janet Beagle (College of Engineering Senior Director of Graduate Programs), Mark Lundstrom (Interim Dean of the College of Engineering and Don and Carol Scifres Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering), and Nina Robinson (Administrative Director of Environmental and Ecological Engineering)

“PESLA exposed me to many areas outside of Engineering, which was a valuable learning experience,” says Dr. Robinson. “The contacts that I met during my six years of involvement assisted me in answering co-workers’ questions and providing contact information. I developed professionally, and as part of the PESLA Leadership Team, I was given the opportunity to help other College of Engineering staff members do the same.”

Applications for PESLA Cohort 5.0 will be solicited in Fall 2024. To be eligible for participation in the program, an individual must be a professional or management staff member in good standing within the College of Engineering and have supervisor support. Questions regarding PESLA should be submitted to Will Sondgerath at wsondgerath@purdue.edu.