2025 UNI Professional Development Conference

On May 29, 2025 from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm the first UNI Professional Development Conference was held in the Schindler Education Center.

Conference Theme: The Six Degrees of T.C. - Our theme is the Six Degrees of T.C., comparable to the six degrees of Kevin Bacon/six degrees of separation. This theme was selected to emphasize the importance of connections within our institution and, if you're looking for collaboration, you can easily find someone to assist in fewer than six acquaintance links apart. Throughout the conference we will have opportunities to connect and collaborate in addition to learning and celebrating the completion of the academic year together.

Conference Schedule - See the Conference Program for more information.

  • 8:30-9:00 am -- Check-In & Refreshments
  • 9:00-9:15 am -- Welcome & Conference Overview
  • 9:15-10:15 am -- Keynote Speaker
  • 10:30-11:30 am -- Breakout Session I
  • 11:30-12:30 pm -- Lunch
  • 12:30-1:30 pm -- Breakout Session II
  • 1:30-2:00 pm -- Snack Break & Bingo
  • 2:00-3:00 pm -- Breakout Session III
  • 3:05-3:20 pm -- Closing Remarks

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Schedule
2025
Thursday, May 29th
9:15 AM

Creating Connections That Last [keynote]

Robert Smith Jr., University of Northern Iowa

9:15 AM - 10:15 AM

10:30 AM

Bolman & Deal’s Four Frame Module to Leadership / Leadership & Management

Kenneth Hayes, University of Northern Iowa
Theo Mhayimana, University of Northern Iowa

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

10:30 AM

Community Engagement & You / Human Interactions

Julianne Gassman, University of Northern Iowa
Lauren Finke, Volunteer Center of the Cedar Valley

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

10:30 AM

Integrating Movement Into the Work Day Routine / Health & Wellness

Kristy Leen, University of Northern Iowa

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

10:30 AM

The Heart of Leadership / Leadership & Management

Russell Guay, University of Northern Iowa

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

10:30 AM

UNI Athletics - Campus/Community Collaboration / Human Interactions

Scott Peace, University of Northern Iowa

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

10:30 AM

What’s Possible with Salesforce? / Innovation & Technology

Alisa Weeks, University of Northern Iowa

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

12:30 PM

Chaos to Clarity: Using Calendly to Optimize Scheduling / Professional Resources

Olivia Umbaugh, University of Northern Iowa
Danielle Weide, University of Northern Iowa

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

12:30 PM

Lifelong Learning & Student Success: Textbook Access at UNI / Innovation & Technology

Anne Marie Guber, University of Northern Iowa
Caran Howard, University of Northern Iowa

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

12:30 PM

RISE Ritual Method: 4 Steps to Transform Yourself and Your Team / Leadership & Management

Danielle McGeough, University of Northern Iowa

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

12:30 PM

Transforming Student Engagement Through Social Media / Innovation & Technology

Andy Saigh, University of Northern Iowa
Jacy Werning, University of Northern Iowa

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

12:30 PM

Why Meditation Works: Ancient Traditions & Modern Science / Health & Wellness

John Burnight, University of Northern Iowa

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

2:00 PM

Balanced Eating at UNI: Navigating Campus Dining & Cooking Demo / Health & Wellness

Stacey Runde, University of Northern Iowa
Lisa Smith, University of Northern Iowa

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

2:00 PM

Creative Ways to Drive Fundraising This Year / Professional Resources

Ryan Randall, University of Northern Iowa

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

2:00 PM

Empathy as a Tool for Engagement / Human Interactions

Alysa Mozak, University of Northern Iowa

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

2:00 PM

Gratitude with Attitude / Human Interactions

Connie Hansen, University of Northern Iowa

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

2:00 PM

Qualtrics 101: Mastering the Basics for Success! / Innovation & Technology

Megan Vogt-Kostner, University of Northern Iowa

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

2:00 PM

The Generational Forest / Leadership & Management

Nikki Harken, University of Northern Iowa

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM