Mission Statement
The mission of the Higher Education Program is to provide the knowledge, concepts and skills for leadership necessary for the study and practice of higher education administration.
The program is guided by the missions of Iowa State University, the College of Human Sciences and the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies and embodies the concepts of the land-grant tradition of teaching, research, and service. The department is dedicated to enhancing the intellectual, cultural, social and ethical potential of students and faculty.
Specifically, the Higher Education Program:
- Provides graduate degree and career preparation programs, community college certificate programs, coursework and a variety of learning opportunities including seminars, practica and internships for students and practitioners, using relevant contemporary educational technology tools.
- Conducts and disseminates research concerning student characteristics and student development; adult learning; campus environments; student affairs administration at two and four year colleges; community colleges; organizational cultures, learning and change; teaching and learning; leadership and learning; and social justice in higher education.
- Provides professional development and service opportunities for two and four year institutions, individuals and organizations.
Vision Statement
Research All Higher Education faculty create and disseminate knowledge and promote educational inquiry that enhances educational practice at post-secondary education institutions.
Teaching All Higher Education faculty engage in teaching that is consonant with principles of effective teaching and learning that helps students develop critical thinking, problem solving, oral and written communication skills, and which enhances ethical and professional behaviors. The knowledge base taught reflects theory to practice, ethical leadership and professionally relevant skills.
Services All Higher Education faculty, using their professional expertise, work with students, educational leaders, two and four year institutions and other constituent groups to enhance professional development and to solve problems.
Advising All Higher Education faculty foster students' professional and personal growth by guiding and inspiring them to formulate and complete relevant programs of study, to conduct high quality research, and to be actively involved in professional activities, basic and applied.
Curricula/Programs The Higher Education faculty develop and implement professionally relevant curricula designed to meet the changing leadership needs of post-secondary education, the student affairs profession, and organizational development. Specifically, they include relevant course work in student development, student characteristics, learning theory, adult learning, organizational change, research and assessment, exemplary practices, ethical and legal issues, and leadership and learning.
We are committed to enhancing all areas of our program, and through the process of curriculum redesign, continuous evaluation, and personal commitment the stature of the program will continue to be enhanced.
