What role do Faculty-in-Residence (FIR) in the Institute Experience?
The Faculty-in-Residence (FIR) are a vital and definitive component of the Iowa N.E.W. Leadership program. Each year, three women leaders are invited to be a part of the program in this more intimate role. FIR reside down the hall and share both meals and downtime with our participants. Playing an invaluable part in the Institute dynamic, FIR serve as accessible, informal role models and mentors to the students throughout the course of the week. While most of the program speakers attend the Institute for only a short time, the FIR are a constant, answering questions, telling stories, and offering their own perspectives on the program, leadership, and life. Late night discussions and conversations over meals give students a rare opportunity to get to know these women and develop relationships that often last long after the Institute has come to a close. Participant response to the FIR has been extremely positive. The students’ evaluations of the program consistently cite the FIR as one of the best parts of the N.E.W. Leadership experience.
