LEAD UNI | Leadership, Workplace Culture, Management, Professional Development

001 - Leadership Philosophy & Belonging | Connie Hansen

Episode Overview In this episode of LEAD UNI, host Jesse Heath sits down with Connie Hansen, Associate Director of Student Involvement at the University of Northern Iowa. With more than 35 years of service to UNI, Connie has played a pivotal role in shaping some of the university’s most impactful student programs, including CAB, Fraternity & Sorority Life, and the Panther Pantry. This conversation explores Connie’s leadership journey, the experiences that shaped her approach, and the lessons she has learned from decades of working closely with students. From defining leadership moments to navigating challenges, Connie shares practical insights on building trust, developing strong teams, and creating meaningful impact across campus. Key Themes Leadership Through Longevity Connie reflects on a career dedicated to student development and how sustained commitment can shape culture and community over time. Building Trust and Connection A focus on relationships as the foundation of effective leadership - particularly in student-facing roles. Navigating Challenges with Purpose Insights into how leadership challenges refine decision-making, resilience, and perspective. Developing Others The importance of investing in students and staff to create lasting impact beyond individual roles. What You’ll Learn * How leadership evolves over the course of a long career * The role of trust and consistency in building strong teams * Lessons learned from navigating complex leadership challenges * What new and emerging leaders should focus on early in their careers * Practical strategies for leading effectively in a higher education environment Memorable Takeaways * Leadership is built through relationships, consistency, and presence * Small decisions can have long-term impact on people and culture * Strong teams are developed through trust, clarity, and shared purpose * Investing in people creates a ripple effect across an entire institution About the Guest Connie Hansen is the Associate Director of Student Involvement at the University of Northern Iowa, where she has served for over 35 years. Throughout her career, she has led and supported key student programs that have shaped the UNI experience for generations of students. Her work has had a lasting impact on campus culture, student engagement, and leadership development. About LEAD UNI LEAD UNI is a leadership podcast from the University of Northern Iowa that highlights real leadership experiences from across campus. Each episode explores defining moments, challenges, and practical advice from UNI leaders. LEAD stands for Learn, Engage, Advance, Develop - a framework designed to support leadership growth at every level.

Introduction

The LEAD UNI Podcast introduces listeners to the purpose and structure of the series while establishing its leadership development focus. Hosted by Jesse Heath from the University of Northern Iowa, the podcast highlights leadership experiences from across campus. Through candid conversations with UNI leaders, the series captures institutional knowledge, explores leadership challenges, and provides practical insights for current and emerging leaders. LEAD reflects the framework that guides the podcast: Learn, Engage, Advance, Develop.