National honor recognizes UNI-SHRM’s impact on future HR leaders
National honor recognizes UNI-SHRM’s impact on future HR leaders
The University of Northern Iowa’s student chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management (UNI-SHRM) has earned SHRM’s 2025-26 Superior Merit Award, recognizing the chapter’s commitment to providing superior growth and development opportunities to its student members.
The SHRM Student Chapter Merit Award program encourages the development of more effective student chapters and distinguishes outstanding activities and projects. Chapters are evaluated on their operations, programming, professional development, support of the human resource profession and engagement with SHRM.
More than the award itself, I’m proud of the culture we built — one where members felt welcomed, supported and encouraged to step outside their comfort zones. Our shared passion for human resources truly drove everything we did.
Among the chapter’s most impactful initiatives this year was its mentorship program, which connects UNI students with experienced HR professionals. Through the program, students build professional networks, explore career paths and gain firsthand insight into the HR profession. Participants have credited the program with helping them secure internships and full-time positions, identify areas of HR they want to pursue and grow their confidence.
Vest credited the chapter’s executive board and members for earning the recognition.
“Everyone was willing to contribute — whether that meant planning events, attending professional development opportunities, volunteering or supporting one another,” Vest said. “That teamwork allowed us to consistently create meaningful experiences that helped our members grow both personally and professionally.”
