The Harbert College is committed to providing its students with relevant, forward-looking, and engaging curricula, instruction, and high-impact experiential learning opportunities, while effectively supporting student efforts to explore, define, and achieve their career aspirations.

Auburn University’s Society of Human Resource Management student chapter (AUSHRM) at the Harbert College of Business was awarded a 2019-20 Superior Merit Award by the national SHRM organization for providing “superior growth and development opportunities to its student members.” 

“The mission of AUSHRM is to provide students additional professional development opportunities that complement and reinforce what they are learning in the classroom,” said Megan Sumners, Department of Management Program Champion and SHRM faculty advisor. “When companies want to recruit for Human Resources students on campus, AUSHRM is the first group they target.”

The SHRM student chapter merit award program encourages the development of more effective student chapters and distinguishes outstanding activities and projects. Chapters are recognized based on chapter operations, programming and professional development of members, support of the human resource profession, and SHRM engagement. 

“Today’s members of our student chapters are the HR leaders of tomorrow. They are the movers and shakers of the future, and we cannot understate the vital role they play in SHRM’s success,” said Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., SHRM-SCP, SHRM President and CEO. “The Auburn University chapter is evidence that the future of HR is, indeed, in good hands. I applaud their accomplishments and ability to fiercely move forward during a time of such change and uncertainty in the workplace.” 

Student chapters have the opportunity to earn an award based on chapter programs and initiatives (number of activities they complete) during the merit award cycle, with the most recent from April 1, 2019, to March 31, 2020. Sumners credited the 40-plus member chapter’s 2019-20 officers – President, Drake Connell; Vice President, Alexandria Harper; Secretary, Abbie Erbes; Treasurer, Macy Carman; Director of Student Relations, Patricia Ang; Director of Community Development, Emily Bailey; and Communications Officer, Miracle Scott – for the national recognition.  

“Being an AUSHRM Officer isn't just something to put on a resume,” she said. “Student leaders are responsible for chapter planning, budgeting, coordinating with guest speakers, and promoting AUSHRM within the college. “

“I think it is so important at all stages in your career to be engaged with professional associations. We love to have alumni come back as guest speakers. Students often get a job from their connection with AUSHRM and want to give back to an organization that helped launch their career. AUSHRM is an approved sponsored organization within the Department of Management which demonstrates the strong educational connection and faculty support. The HR curriculum in the Department of Management is certified as a SHRM academically aligned program, which means our students (after meeting additional criteria) are eligible to sit for the SHRM-CP certification. We want to give our students every opportunity to gain experience and credentials that will set them apart in the job market.” 

For more information about the Auburn University SHRM chapter at the Harbert College of Business, visit https://harbert.auburn.edu/students/current/clubs-organizations/society-for-human-resource-management/ 

About SHRM 

SHRM, the Society for Human Resource Management, creates better workplaces where employers and employees thrive together. As the voice of all things work, workers and the workplace, SHRM is the foremost expert, convener and thought leader on issues impacting today's evolving workplaces. With 300,000-plus HR and business executive members in 165 countries, SHRM impacts the lives of more than 115 million workers and families globally. Learn more at SHRM.org and on Twitter @SHRM.