More than 240 educators, business professionals and Gallup-Certified CliftonStrengths® coaches from across the country attended the fifth annual Clifton Strengths Institute (CSI) Summer Conference at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in July. First launched online in 2021, the one-day event has grown into an in-person gathering for a community dedicated to developing strengths-based leaders, campuses and workplaces.
“We started this conference to share what we learned as we built the national model for strengths-based education. It’s grown into something much larger, as professionals in higher education, business and nonprofits come to gain insights, learn best practices and network with others passionate about strengths,” said Timothy Hodges, Joan Heiser Endowed Presidential Chair, executive director of the Clifton Strengths Institute and associate professor of practice in management at the College of Business.
Chancellor Rodney Bennett welcomed attendees by honoring Nebraska’s legacy as the birthplace of strengths-based education.
"Dr. Don Clifton ('48, '49, '59 and '90) dedicated his work to his home state of Nebraska. He was bold enough to ask: What if we could clearly identify our greatest strengths and intentionally develop them to enrich our lives and our work?" Bennett said. "Since 1999, 35 million people around the world have taken the CliftonStrengths assessment. I challenge you to embrace the insights, lean into self-awareness and use your strengths to empower and elevate others."
Jim Asplund, Gallup's chief scientist of strengths-based development, opened the conference with a keynote on the importance of social support and consistent practice after taking the assessment. He shared updates on the upcoming 2025 Tech Report and referenced 70 peer-reviewed research studies, including a new Gallup study on burnout and effective coping strategies, which can be found on Gallup.com.
Breakout sessions explored topics such as leadership, coaching, team development, artificial intelligence and aligning personal values with meaningful work. Informal coffee chats also provided opportunities for attendees to connect with CSI students, staff and one another.
“A member of our team recently became a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach, and two more will be certified this year, so opportunities like this are imperative,” said Laurel Revers, director of learning and development at Ho-Chunk Inc. “We’ve attended the Gallup Summit in the past. While we expected this conference to focus more on higher education, we walked away with practical tools we can apply to our corporate programs.”
Three lunch keynote speakers brought additional perspectives on leadership and energized the group. Lawrence Chatters, senior vice president for strategic initiatives and capacity at
the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, shared his personal story about using his strengths to prepare for change and plan for the future.
Kathy Farrell, James Jr. and Susan Stuart Endowed Dean of the College of Business, discussed how strengths-based development transformed business education at Nebraska.
“Over the past decade, more than 5,800 students in the College of Business have received personalized coaching on their top five strengths from 355 trained peer coaches,” Farrell said. “Our Clifton Builders program empowers entrepreneurial-minded students to apply their strengths in real-world settings while developing the skills to build businesses, teams and communities. No matter their major, our students graduate ready to launch their careers equipped with knowledge, practical skills and a foundation in strengths-based leadership.”
Ted Neitzke, CEO of CESA 6 (Cooperative Educational Service Agency based in Wisconsin) and a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach, energized the audience with insights on how to normalize positivity in life and leadership. Using the metaphor of a buffalo facing the storm, he inspired attendees to confront challenges with courage and strength.
"We attended the conference as a team for the second year in a row, and it’s always an incredibly valuable experience," said Karen Premer, learning designer at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. "The keynote speakers shared how their strengths influence every aspect of life, from their leadership styles and career paths to family dynamics. It was a powerful reminder to keep developing your strengths so you can apply them with intention."
