Join us in congratulating Dr. Chad Cardani-Trollinger in being named the new Interim Director of the Leadership Studies Program! Dr. Chad has been with the Leadership Studies Program at Iowa State since 2020 and he is very excited to help elevate the program as the Interim Director.
Chad earned a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication and Speech at Buena Vista University (1996), a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at Iowa State University (2000) and his Ph.D. in Education at Drake University (2020). His dissertation, Preserving the Academy: Staff and Faculty Outlooks on the Future of Higher reflects his interest in and commitment to higher education. Before ISU, Chad served as a faculty member in Drake University’s Leadership Education and Development program and leverages 25 years of professional experience in Training and Development, Real Estate, K-12 Special Education and Higher Education Administration. As a leadership educator, Chad is passionate about helping others develop their own leadership knowledge, skills, and abilities so that they have the ability to positively influence themselves and others. He leads with thoughtful and purposeful reflection, intentional inclusion of the widest variety of voices possible, and by doing what he says he will do.
Chad’s research interests include higher education, faculty development, cultural development, and brain-based learning. He is an award-winning instructor, an ethical, just and inclusive servant leader, and is fully committed to helping individuals, teams, organizations, and businesses get from where they are to where they want to be.