Iowa State Leadership Studies Program

Welcome back students!! 👏 Stop by our new Relax & Recharge station on Carver third floor, created just for you. 🪴📚📱✨We are so glad you’re here!

To our LDST students and friends,

I’m heartbroken to share that one of our former Leadership Studies students, Jordan “JJ” Wilson, tragically passed away in a motorcycle accident last week. He was just 22 years old.

Those who knew JJ will remember someone who was SO full of life, always smiling, always positive, always kind, and always a friend. He had an incredible ability to make people feel welcomed, valued, and simply better for having spent time with him.

JJ lived his life in service to others through his leadership, his friendships, and his faith. At Iowa State, he served as lead president of Chi Alpha and was preparing to spend a year in Botswana on a mission trip.

We talk a lot about the difference leadership can make in the lives of others. JJ lived that difference.

I know some of you knew JJ personally, and my heart is especially with you, his family, his friends, and everyone who loved him.

As we remember JJ, I hope we carry some of his joy forward: be kind, show up for your people, make others feel like they matter, and never underestimate the difference you can make.

If you are struggling with this loss, please know that support is available. Iowa State Student Counseling Services offers free, confidential support for students, including help with grief and loss. You can reach Student Counseling Services at 515-294-5056, and virtual and in-person options are available. You can also reach out to any of the Leadership Studies faculty if you need someone to talk with. You don’t have to navigate this alone.

JJ’s obituary and information about funeral arrangements are available through the link in our bio.

JJ, you mattered here. You made a difference. And you will be deeply missed. ❤️

Dr. Chad

🚨 Job Opportunity Alert! 🚨

Ready to take the next step in your leadership journey? 🌟 Pella Corporation is hiring a 2nd Shift Department Managerin Carroll, IA.

This full-time leadership role is a great opportunity for recent Leadership Studies graduates looking to build their management experience and make an impact.
📈💼

Interested? Check out the job posting below and apply today! 🔗

https://ebgj.fa.us2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/Pella-Careers/job/249950/

🎙️ Proud to see Leadership Studies Program Director Dr. Chad Cardani-Trollinger featured on the Rythmes with Odd podcast! 🙌

From empathy and accountability to challenging the process, Dr. Chad shares powerful insights on what leadership looks like in today’s world 🌍💡

Thank you, Dr. Chad, for the positive impact you continue to make at ISU and beyond! ❤️💛

Link here: https://leadership.las.iastate.edu/2026/05/27/podcast-featuring-dr-chad/

Another congrats goes out to LDST grad Victoria Lenius! 🎓🎉

What’s next?: 
I will be working at Strand Associates in Ames as an Environmental Engineer. I will also be attending Colorado State University online for my Masters of Engineering in Environmental Engineering! 

What from LDST will you carry into the future?:
I learned how important leadership skills are in every area, rather than just in a formal leadership position. This understanding has helped me frequently practice leadership and apply that learning to my more formal roles. 

We are proud of you, Victoria! 👏👏

A huge congrats to LDST grad Kaylee Johnson! 🎓🎉

What’s next?: 
I plan to move to Kansas City, MO to help start a church that Salt Company is planting. I am currently searching for a job that is related to Human Resources work and/or Employee engagement!

What from LDST will you carry into the future?:
I believe that the biggest concept that I will take away from my time learning about leadership is just much of a puzzle it is. A leader needs to be flexible, willing to adapt, and have an open mindset in order to best help their employees or team; sometimes things don’t work together well right away. It is just a matter of having strong communication and awareness that can help put the right pieces together in order for a team to thrive.

We are proud of you, Kaylee! 👏👏

A loud congrats for LDST grad Samantha Brendon! 🎓✨

What’s next?: 
I’m working for Cottingham & Butler in Dubuque Iowa as an Associate Market Consultant! 

What from LDST will you carry into the future?:
During my time at Iowa State and through the leadership positions I’ve held, I’ve learned that small things, like how you communicate or include others, can really impact whether people feel confident and engaged.

We are lucky to have you, Samantha! 🎉

📚✨ Exploring leadership through values, faith, and real-world conversations 🌍

From diving into belief systems and historical perspectives to unpacking how leaders and followers shape each other—this course is all about understanding meaning in a multi-faceted world. 🤝

Big takeaways? Self-reflection, respect for different perspectives, and learning how to have thoughtful (even tough!) conversations across differences. 💭💬

➡️ Talk to your advisor to learn more!

📣 Announcing a new fall LDST class! Leadership in Innovation, LDST 3700: Section 1!

Leading a team, a project, and yourself through the chaos and uncertainties of innovation.

Talk to your advisor to learn more! 🙌

Leadership Studies Wants You! 🎉

We are hiring two students to be Leadership Studies ambassadors.

📣 Some skills we are looking for are:
- Outreach
- PR
- Marketing
- Events
(Note: We care more about your initiative and mindset than a perfect resume!)

🧑🏻‍💻Job Details:
- Flexible schedule
- $15 per hour
- Work study NOT required

✨Apply to be an LDST ambassador here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/SaJ8Pq8gaQ