The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) has recognized Missouri State University’s student chapter with the distinguished Superior Merit Award, the highest accolade for SHRM student chapters.
This award is given to chapters that demonstrate outstanding leadership, operational excellence and a strong focus on career development and community engagement.
“The benefit of winning the Superior Merit Award is it communicates that MSU has a strong student SHRM organization that is active in the community,” said Dr. Wesley Scoggins, professor in the department of management.
SHRM is a member-driven movement dedicated to creating better workplaces. As the leading authority on workplace issues, SHRM focuses on research, advocacy and strategy to address the innovations and challenges shaping today’s work environments.
Eligibility
To qualify for the Superior Merit Award, MSU’s SHRM student chapter met a series of requirements. These included maintaining good standing with SHRM, fulfilling key leadership and operational responsibilities and organizing an impressive array of activities and projects. 
The chapter successfully:
- Reviewed and implemented its bylaws and operations manual in board meetings.
- Created a student chapter operating plan for the award year.
- Maintained an active student chapter website or social media presence with a link to SHRM’s homepage.
Additionally, the chapter completed nine-12 activities and projects that included professional development and community-based initiatives, such as:
- Hosed HR-related workshops, seminars or conferences.
- Attended and shared insights from external HR conferences.
- Created a membership marketing plan and promoted HR internships and job opportunities.
- Published newsletters, participated in career fairs and implemented community outreach projects.
Impact on MSU students
The SHRM student chapter at MSU provides meaningful membership experiences by informing and educating students on fundamental HR issues. It helps them develop networking relationships with HR professionals and equips them to be competitive in the job market.
“This should be attractive to prospective students with an interest in human resource management,” Scroggins said. “It should also benefit current students in their job search as it communicates to prospective employers that MSU has a strong, achievement-oriented HR program that prepares students for leadership.”