For alumnus Jon Sexton, the path to becoming a pivotal leader began in the classrooms and offices of the University of Iowa. 

Now senior vice president of culture and leadership development at Vibrant Credit Union and founder of Sexton Leadership in Bettendorf, Iowa, Sexton reflects on his time at Iowa as “foundational in shaping both my leadership style and my understanding of development.”

Sexton, who earned a Master of Arts in the former Counseling Rehabilitation and Student Development program in 2006 and a doctorate in Higher Education and Student Affairs (HESA) in 2016, credits the College of Education for creating a solid foundation for his future success.

“My time in the College of Education was transformative,” Sexton says. “The lessons I learned, both in and outside the classroom, taught me how to create environments where students and professionals could thrive. The counseling focus of my master’s program had a particularly significant influence on how I approach advising and mentoring, teaching me the value of deep, meaningful one-on-one connections. Those lessons continue to shape my work in executive coaching today.”

Sexton’s time at Iowa also introduced him to his wife, Nicole, who was also a student in higher education administration. 

“During that time, I met my future spouse, Nicole. There’s a part of me that wishes we’d never left Iowa, as it’s a community that holds deep meaning for both of us, both professionally and personally,” he says. The connection they forged at Iowa continues to influence his deep appreciation for the institution and its role in shaping his life.

Sexton also cited his role as interim director of orientation services at the University of Iowa at the age of 28 as transformative. 

“Navigating the loss of seasoned staff and leading a team through a period of significant turnover taught me resilience and the importance of building a trusted support network,” he says. “It was also my first exposure to the occasional loneliness that can accompany higher-level leadership roles — takeaways that inform the way I now mentor and support leaders navigating similar challenges.”

His leadership and ability to connect with others left a lasting impression on colleagues and students alike.

 “Jon has the ability to make an individual feel very important,” UI College of Education Director of Administration and Educational Policy and Leadership Studies Doctor of Education (EdD) student Ben Walizer says of Sexton. “When he talks to someone — a student, a staff member, a parent — he has a way to give them undivided attention and make them feel as though they matter. He had really strong relationships with students and his staff when he worked in orientation, and that’s because of this skill.”

One of the most enduring lessons from Sexton’s time at Iowa came with his introduction to CliftonStrengths. 

“When I was first introduced to this relatively new tool by our Assistant Director Tina Arthur, I was a bit skeptical,” Sexton says. “But I was pleasantly surprised by our students’ enthusiasm for their reports and the opportunity to learn more about their teammates. Their response inspired me to embrace strengths-based development, which remains a cornerstone of my work today.”

These lessons came full circle in December 2024, when Sexton delivered the keynote address at the College of Education Undergraduate Commencement and Teacher Education Program Recognition Ceremony.

“Speaking at commencement was like coming home,” Sexton says. “It was both emotional and nostalgic to reflect on my time at a place that played such a significant role in who I am today.”

Sexton shared personal anecdotes about his journey, highlighting the impact of Iowa’s educators and students. “It was a chance to remind the future educators sitting in Hancher Auditorium of the life-changing impact they would soon have on their own students,” he says. 

Reconnecting with past graduates he had mentored added to the meaningful experience. 

His commitment to creating inclusive environments also stems from his early work managing the Latino Native American Cultural Center (LNACC). 

“Those early conversations taught me that creating inclusive spaces requires us to dig well beyond our initial assumptions,” Sexton explains. “When we take the time to approach relationships with genuine curiosity, our sense of connection is so much deeper and meaningful.”

Sexton transitioned to Vibrant Credit Union in 2015, where he spearheaded efforts to build a strengths-based culture. 

“What I discovered at Vibrant was a 100-year-old institution that was doing everything possible to think like a startup,” he says. The move also inspired him to become a Certified CliftonStrengths Coach and to launch Sexton Leadership, where he helps teams and leaders across the country build thriving, engaged workplaces.

Sexton says he will always be grateful for the education and experiences he gained at Iowa.

 “From developing student leaders to championing CliftonStrengths, my time at Iowa played a critical role in my long-term approach to culture and leadership development,” Sexton says. “It’s a community that holds deep meaning for me, both personally and professionally.”