WT Student HR Management Chapter Earns National Honor

Copy by Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, cchandler@wtamu.edu

CANYON, Texas — West Texas A&M University’s chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management has earned a national accolade.

SHRM awarded WT’s chapter a merit award for providing superior growth and development opportunities to its student members.

The WT chapter is comprised of students in the Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business.

“Our chapter seeks to provide students with competitive advantages as they enter the workforce,” said Dr. Rahul Chauhan, WT’s McCray Professor of Business Management. “We provide guest speakers, dedicated developmental seminars and best practices with our students. While the group focuses on HR, the skillsets we provide to interested students are designed to be universally beneficial regardless of major, given that virtually all employers must have some degree of HR functions within their companies.”

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 operations, chapter programming and professional development of members, support of the human resource profession, and SHRM engagement.

“SHRM student chapter members embody the upcoming cohort of HR trailblazers, and it’s vital to highlight their achievements,” said Michael P. Aitken, SHRM chief membership officer. “The dedication displayed by the WT chapter underscores that the future of the profession is in good hands. I commend their achievements and their adeptness in cultivating inventive initiatives, growth, and enthusiasm for HR, especially as we steer through evolving work landscapes.”

SHRM student chapters can earn an award based on the number of activities they complete during the merit award cycle, the most recent one of which lasted from May 1, 2022, to April 30, 2023.

Among the WT chapter’s activities are the semi-annual Professional Clothing Drive in partnership with the WT Office of Career and Professional Services. This event provides students with professional clothing at no cost to them. Donations are given by on- and off-campus donors and are accepted year-round. Students also have access to the Professional Clothing Closet’s permanent location throughout the year by appointment.

SHRM also hosts other workshops for its on- and off-campus students, and provides access to an HR certification training preparation course at no cost to students.

WT offers many opportunities like SHRM for students to exhibit abilities and accomplishments above the norm, a key concept of the University’s long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

That plan is fueled by the historic, $125 million One West comprehensive fundraising campaign. To date, the campaign — which publicly launched in September 2021— has raised more than $125 million and will continue through 2025.

About West Texas A&M University

WT is located in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. WT, a Hispanic Serving Institution since 2016, boasts an enrollment of about 10,000 and offers 59 undergraduate degree programs and more than 40 graduate degrees, including two doctoral degrees. The University is also home to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, the largest history museum in the state and the home of one of the Southwest’s finest art collections. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 14 men’s and women’s athletics programs.

—WT—