Twelve CUPA-HR members have been selected to participate in the 2025-26 Emerging CUPA-HR Leaders program.
The year-long program recognizes volunteer leaders from across the country who have demonstrated exemplary leadership and initiative within higher ed HR and want to play an active role in advancing the profession. This unique opportunity provides peer interaction and connection with CUPA-HR leaders as an integral part of the cohort’s learning experience. Participants engage in problem-solving work groups and develop deep networks with peers while gaining an inside look at CUPA-HR’s operations and structure.
Emerging CUPA-HR leaders are selected based on their knowledge, leadership skills, engagement with CUPA-HR and demonstrated willingness to advance higher ed HR.
The 2025-26 Emerging CUPA-HR Leaders are:
- Kristina Astrup, Associate Director of Organizational Development for Human Resources at North Dakota State University
- Cindy Cho, Senior Human Resources Business Partner at Stanford University–School of Humanities and Sciences
- Amber Emmart, Assistant Director of Human Resources at Flathead Valley Community College
- Amy Fisher, Chief Human Resources Officer, Director of Risk Management and Government Relations and Title IX Coordinator at John Brown University
- Colin Gerker-Junsay, Senior Organization Development Consultant at the University of California, Berkeley
- Amy Levine, Training and Organizational Development Coordinator at Towson University
- Mary Lucal, Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Wake Forest University
- Erika D. Mabry, Employee Engagement Lead at Howard University
- Ashley Mitchell, Director of Human Resources at Western Seminary
- Matt Olsen, Chief Human Resources Officer at Tulsa Community College
- Cameron Potter, Manager of Employee Success at Texas Christian University
- Patty Rodriguez, Director of Academic Personnel at the University of North Texas
“This year-long experience for these higher ed HR leaders will be transformative for them. We also know it could be transformative for CUPA-HR as they engage with the work that drives the future of higher ed HR and CUPA-HR,” shared CUPA-HR’s president and CEO, Dr. Andy Brantley.
The 2025-26 Emerging CUPA-HR Leaders program will be led by exceptional current and past CUPA-HR national board leaders and national office staff, and the new cohort will serve July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.
Interested in joining our next cohort? Learn more about the Emerging CUPA-HR Leaders program.