Building the Higher Ed HR Leader Pipeline: Emerging CUPA-HR Leaders Program

Higher ed HR is a people-centric profession with no shortage of programs focused on developing those who are just launching their HR careers. But what about HR professionals who have assumed leadership roles at their institutions and are looking for that next opportunity to grow and engage?

The goal of the Emerging CUPA-HR Leaders program is to identify potential volunteer leaders from across the country that have shown exemplary leadership and initiative within higher ed HR and exhibit the desire to play an active role in advancing the profession. Invited participants have the unique opportunity to engage in problem-solving work groups and develop deep networks with peers while gaining an inside look at CUPA-HR’s operations and structure.

Throughout the program, participants are encouraged to serve the association in a leadership capacity, lending a fresh and informed perspective. Many participants have gone on to hold positions on chapter boards, region boards and CUPA-HR’s national board of directors.

Kelli Shuman, associate vice president for human resources and chief human resources officer at Elon University, facilitates the Emerging CUPA-HR Leaders program. “The program gives an amazing opportunity to higher education HR leaders to become engaged, develop new connections and contribute to the association,” says Shuman. “HR’s role is key to all our organizations’ success, so it’s critical that we continue to mentor, develop and encourage HR professionals. After this year-long experience, we will have six HR leaders prepared to serve the profession in a leadership capacity within the CUPA-HR.”

Want to contribute your unique leadership perspective to higher ed HR and take on an active role in CUPA-HR? Apply for the Emerging CUPA-HR Leaders program by February 28. Those selected will be notified by April 17.