By Lauren Connolly
Students, faculty, advisors, and alumni gathered at the Student Innovation Center on May 7 for the Pathways to Innovation and Leadership Showcase, an event celebrating student growth, professional development, and the impact of the Pathways program within Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
From student presentations and networking opportunities to digital badge recognition and keynote speakers, the showcase highlighted how students are building confidence and career-ready skills beyond the classroom.
Steve Mickelson, professor emeritus and CEO of Empowering Excellence LLC, delivered the keynote address. His message focused on personal growth, leadership, and using individual strengths to help others succeed. He encouraged students to “live out your strengths” and challenged attendees to be willing to mentor and support others throughout their careers.
The showcase served not only as a celebration of student accomplishments but also as a reminder of the growing importance of career readiness and leadership development within higher education.
The Pathways to Innovation and Leadership program officially launched in spring 2025 with a goal of empowering students to drive real-world impact in agriculture and life sciences by cultivating the skills, mindset, and confidence needed for meaningful careers and life. Through intentional and flexible hands-on opportunities, such as workshops, mock interviews, and presentations, students can earn digital badges focused on career competencies including communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving. They also learn how to confidently communicate their skills, experiences, and stories to future employers, said Amy Mendee, Pathways program director.
More than 600 students across all CALS majors have become involved in the Pathways program, with more than 240 digital badges issued, strengthening students’ professional skills. Through Pathways awards, nearly $80,000 has been given to CALS undergraduate and graduate students to support their high-impact, hands-on learning opportunities, such as study abroad, undergraduate research, internships, and entrepreneurship experiences, all valuable for enhancing their career development.
For sophomore agricultural business student Jack Schoenfelder, the program has become more than just another extracurricular activity.
Schoenfelder, who is originally from Akron, Iowa, became involved in the program more than a year ago after attending a Pathways kickoff event. He now serves as a Pathways peer leader.
As a peer leader, Schoenfelder helps represent the program through classroom visits, tabling events, student consultations and showcase events.
“We help students get connected and answer questions about the program,” Schoenfelder said.
Schoenfelder believes the biggest impact of the program comes from the connections and professional growth students gain through involvement.
“My favorite part has honestly just been meeting new people and networking,” he said. “You never know where you might need somebody.”
Faculty members across the college are also seeing the benefits of the program among their students.
Alyssa Rockers, assistant professor of agricultural education and studies, said many agricultural communication students are eager to find opportunities that help them stand out professionally.
“Our ag communication students always want something that’s going to get them ahead and give them the edge,” Rockers said. “The digital badges and experiences students get through Pathways are things that really benefit students and help them stand out to employers.”
Rockers said the program reinforces many of the communication and leadership skills students are already developing in the classroom.
“A lot of those skills that Pathways helps students develop are things that naturally work hand-in-hand with agricultural communication,” Rockers said. “Communication, leadership and working with people are all things students need to be successful.”
The showcase also brought together alumni and supporters who recognize the importance of helping students build relationships and professional skills during college.
Iowa State alumnus Charlie Persinger (’81 agricultural and life sciences education) was impressed by the opportunities available to students through the program.
“A degree might put you in the door, but employers are looking for what else,” he said.
Persinger said networking and relationship-building are some of the most valuable experiences students can gain during college.
As the Pathways program continues to grow, students, faculty and supporters alike hope it will continue creating opportunities that help students build confidence, develop meaningful connections and prepare for successful careers beyond Iowa State.