A Fresh Perspective: Introducing Emerging CUPA-HR Leaders

Pictured (left to right): Erik Smetana, University of Missouri System Administration; Lauren A. Rubitz, New Jersey Institute of Technology; Darrell Easley, Mississippi State University; Kenneth Nelson, University of Colorado Boulder; Marc Serrett, South Dakota State University; Shanna Hines, Bates College

Six CUPA-HR members have been selected to participate in the 2017-18 Emerging CUPA-HR Leaders program.

The program recognizes volunteer leaders from across the country who have demonstrated exemplary leadership and initiative within higher ed HR and desire to play an active role in advancing the profession. The 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 identified and nominated by CUPA-HR leadership at the region and national levels, and are selected based on their knowledge, leadership skills, engagement with CUPA-HR and demonstrated willingness to advance higher ed HR.

The 2017-18 Emerging CUPA-HR Leaders are:

• Darrell Easley – Southern Region Emerging Leader
  Learning and Development Manager, Mississippi State University
• Shanna Hines – National Board Emerging Leader
  Assistant Vice President for Human Resources and Environmental Health and Safety, Bates College
• Kenneth Nelson – Western Region Emerging Leader
  Assistant Director of the Service Center, University of Colorado Boulder
• Lauren A. Rubitz – Eastern Region Emerging Leader
  Assistant Manager of Organizational Development and Human Resources Operations, New Jersey Institute of Technology
• Marc Serrett – Midwest Region Emerging Leader
  Assistant Vice President for Human Resources, South Dakota State University
• Erik Smetana – National Board Emerging Leader Associate
  Vice President of Human Resources, University of Missouri System Administration

Marie Williams, associate vice chancellor for human resources at North Carolina State University facilitates the Emerging CUPA-HR Leaders program. “This program serves as a vital leadership pipeline for identifying potential exemplary volunteer leaders from across the country who desire to play an active role in advancing the HR profession in higher education through CUPA-HR.” says Williams. “As a former participant, getting involved as a program lead was an easy decision as it connects my passion for developing successful HR leaders in higher education with the opportunity to serve and give back to my most favorite association, CUPA-HR, in a productive and meaningful way.”

“We are pleased to welcome this year’s Emerging CUPA-HR Leaders,” says CUPA-HR President and Chief Executive Officer Andy Brantley. “These individuals bring immense value to CUPA-HR and to the profession. I am so pleased that these participants will have the opportunity to learn more about CUPA-HR and take an active role in work connected to our strategic priorities.”

The 2017-18 Emerging CUPA-HR Leader group will serve until June 30, 2018.