ABERDEEN, S.D. – The future of human resources needs individuals to be curious, determined, innovative and disruptive – not satisfied with the status quo.
That’s the message Jennifer McClure delivered to an auditorium full of HR professionals at the Northern State University Johnson Fine Arts Center last week. McClure, of Unbridled Talent LLC and DisruptHR LLC, said human resources is the key to competitive advantage in a company.
“The opportunity for you to influence and impact employees in your organization and your communities is tremendous,” she said.
McClure delivered a keynote speech at the 2019 South Dakota Society for Human Resource Management conference – an event that drew hundreds to campus and illustrates Northern’s successful relationships with organizations throughout the region.
“We’re always thrilled to host a large-scale conference that brings together professionals from around the state,” said NSU President Dr. Tim Downs. “It’s just another example of how Northern strives to form positive community partnerships with organizations and employers.”
Campus Provided Benefits
The SHRM conference, held May 8-10, drew approximately 180 people to campus the first two days, said Kim Bowman, conference co-chair. On Friday it was held in conjunction with Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce’s Leadercast Live webinar, drawing around 300 people to campus.
Holding the SHRM event on the NSU campus provided endless benefits, Bowman said.
“The staff that we were able to use and work with during the entire planning phase was remarkable,” said Bowman, talent retention manager for Aberdeen’s Dacotah Bank.
It’s extremely important to be able to hold a conference in a facility like the Johnson Fine Arts Center, which Bowman called an engaging facility with great rooms for conference sessions. Having onsite IT staff was also very beneficial.
“We couldn’t have done it this way anywhere else,” she said.
Increasing Northern Awareness
Having Northern as the venue also provided a chance to increase awareness of what’s going on at NSU, including academic programs and campus improvement projects.
“It was great to partner with them for this event,” Bowman said. “We heard a lot of conversation regarding Northern’s campus, programs, and especially, the fact that Dr. Downs came to kick off the conference.”
Northern Scholarship
Bowman said NSU School of Business faculty member Dr. Kristi Bockorny serves on the Aberdeen Area Human Resource Association (AAHRA) committee as college relations chair.
“It is very important to have someone like her to advocate for student needs with our group,” she said.
Also, the committee has started a scholarship for students minoring in human resources, which is paid out annually from the Aberdeen Area Human Resources Association chapter.
“We want to keep our students in town,” Bowman said. “Getting on to campus like this helps promote that, and involvement in our chapter.”
Bowman thanked NSU Communications and Marketing Director Justin Fraase, NSU Event Coordinator Kami Spieker, Aramark and JFAC staff for making last week’s conference a success. She said SHRM also held a leadership conference in the NSU Lincoln Gallery in October, and those in attendance were extremely impressed by the facilities, campus and food.
“We have been told numerous times from attendees, state council members and national SHRM officers that we really set the bar high for future SHRM conferences.”
About Northern State University
Northern State University is a regional university that offers outstanding academics and exceptional extracurricular activities at an affordable price on a safe, welcoming campus. Northern State recently announced its Educational Impact Campaign, with a goal of raising $55 million for a new South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, new athletic and recreation fields, and an on-campus regional sports complex. Once the campaign is complete, NSU will be the recipient of more than $100 million in privately funded building projects and scholarships within a decade. To learn more, visit NSU Admissions.