UNI’s SHRM chapter earns national recognition, cultivating future HR leaders
UNI’s SHRM chapter earns national recognition, cultivating future HR leaders
At the Wilson College of Business, student organizations are key tools for students to connect, learn and prepare for careers. The UNI Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) student chapter is a perfect example of this mission, recently earning the 2024–2025 Superior Merit Award from the national Society for Human Resource Management — a testament to the college’s commitment to excellence and its role in shaping the next generation of business leaders.
The Superior Merit Award recognizes student chapters that excel in four key areas: chapter operations, professional development, support of the HR profession and student engagement.
Gracie Vest ('26), the chapter president, explained that earning the award is a rigorous process involving tracking and submitting every activity. The UNI chapter received one of only two Superior Merit Awards in Iowa this year, highlighting its outstanding performance.
It really exemplifies our dedication to the student organization. It shows the passion that people have for the organization and for HR in general. It means a lot to me and the members.
The accolade is one of many the organization has notched in the past several years due to its ability to provide students with practical skills and experiences. The chapter hosts a variety of events, including bringing in guest speakers who offer real-world perspectives on the HR field. One of its key programs connects students with mentors from the Cedar Valley SHRM professional chapter, providing a crucial link to practicing professionals.
Emily Obermeier, SHRM's faculty advisor and assistant professor of practice, noted that the students' drive and initiative are what make the chapter so successful.
These members have a drive to lead a good and high-quality organization," she said. It serves our students well and it develops their leadership skills. I've been excited to be involved with a group that's doing so well and with a driven leadership team.
For Vest, the organization has been a launchpad for her career. Joining SHRM solidified her interest in human resources and provided invaluable networking and leadership opportunities. Through the chapter, she was able to secure an internship at VGM Group in Waterloo, where she was interviewed by two former SHRM guest speakers she had already met.
"SHRM has benefited me so much," Vest said. "The speakers are talking about professional, personal and leadership development. Even if you're not an HR major, everyone benefits from what the speakers are talking about."
This sense of community, combined with the practical skill development promoted by the chapter, shows how the Wilson College of Business creates an environment where students can not only excel academically but also build the relationships and confidence needed to become effective leaders.
"I came into college wanting to go into business but not knowing what side of business I wanted to go into," Vest said. "SHRM solidified that I wanted to go into human resources. Now, I am incredibly grateful to lead this organization. I've met some of my lifelong friends and mentors.”
