Butler Center Leadership Programs
Mentoring Pods Leadership Track
The Mentoring Pods program brings together small groups of 3-5 faculty members from various units at various ranks, who will engage in thoughtful and honest conversations around faculty life over the course of one year. The primary purpose of this mentoring experience is connection and community across campus and across career stages for mutual encouragement and support. In addition, the mentoring pod is designed to contribute to professional development of all participating pod members through the power of collective wisdom and experience regarding how to thrive and excel as Purdue faculty across multiple domains including research discovery, teaching and learning, and engagement.
In 2026, we are introducing specialized pods specifically designed for those transitioning into administrative leadership roles (e.g., department heads, center directors, assistant/associate deans, assistant/associate VPs) or those who aspire to be in such roles in the near future (“Leadership Track” vs. the original “Academic Track”). These pods will focus on mid- to advanced-career faculty (e.g., newly promoted full professors, seasoned full professors moving into administrative leadership roles) and will have seasoned administrators serving as pod leads.
Conference on Leadership in Higher Education
The Conference on Leadership in Higher Education will bring together 50 university leaders from Purdue and its peer institutions at Purdue’s main campus for a 12-hour, two-day event. From the afternoon on Day 1 to the afternoon on Day 2, attendees will hear from top-notch organizational scientists and seasoned administrators and share stories around tables. The conference will offer opportunities to engage in deep self- and collective reflections on what feels broken and what can be done to fix it, while keeping and further strengthening what is still good and true.
“Good Conversations” Series
The "Good Conversations" series consists of monthly conversations with a relatively small number of individuals from the community of Purdue leaders, providing opportunities for Purdue faculty and staff to connect with one another over a good conversation grounded on honesty and humility. Each meeting will have a common theme related to leadership and thriving in higher education.
Leadership in Action Awards
The Leadership in Action awards recognize Purdue faculty and staff who have shown exemplary leadership within their respective areas of expertise. Whether it is through excellence in a particular field or demonstrable commitment to the success and development of other leaders, this award will acknowledge honorees’ accomplishments and professional contributions.
Leadership Coaching
Grounded in evidence-based practices, the Butler Center leadership coaching provides a confidential, supportive space to clarify goals, explore challenges, strengthen leadership capabilities, and identify meaningful paths forward aligned with one’s values, strengths, and aspirations. Coaching is provided by the Center Director, a certified coach with extensive experience teaching and conducting research in organizational psychology. The Center also has a network of certified leadership and executive coaches who contribute to the program in various capacities.
The Center offers individual and group coaching to support faculty, staff, postdocs, graduate students, and academic leaders as they navigate career development, leadership challenges, transitions, and opportunities for growth. In addition, the Center also offers team coaching for Purdue teams of four or more members who work together, including leadership teams within offices, departments, centers, institutes, and colleges. Team coaching is tailored to each group’s context and provides dedicated space for teams to strengthen collaboration, connection, and effectiveness.
Leadership Programs from the Purdue Office of Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs
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