Eligibility criteria for education scholarships:

1. Applicants shall have a junior or senior standing in undergraduate coursework or be a graduate student.
2. Applicants shall be enrolled in an accredited college or university with a human resource degree program(s) based in Wichita, Kansas, currently including Friends University and Wichita State University.
3. Applicants shall have and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
4. Applicants shall have a declared major in a Human Resource Management related field or be enrolled in a relevant graduate degree with an emphasis or focus on Human Resources.
5. Applicants shall have demonstrated commitment and interest in Human Resources through one or more of the following:
   1. Involvement in campus and/or community service.
   2. Involvement in SHRM at the student or professional level.
   3. Description of work experience in a Human Resource-related area.
6. Optional: Submit a letter of recommendation from an advisor, professor, or employer.
7. Optional: Cover letter

Eligibility for SHRM Certification Prep Scholarship:

1. Applicants must be a member of Wichita SHRM.

2. Applicants shall have demonstrated commitment and interest in Human Resources through one or more of the following:
   1. Involvement in campus and/or community service.
   2. Involvement in SHRM at the student or professional level.
   3. Description of work experience in a Human Resource related area.
      
      
3. Applicants must be actively working in a Human Resource-related area.

The grant of Scholarships will be made for Spring 2026. Applications are being accepted between April 27, 2026 and June 15, 2026.  The Board of Trustees will contact the recipients.  Interested individuals can find an application by clicking here or accessing the link below.  Completed application and materials should be emailed to SHRM Scholarship Fund at admin@wichitashrm.org.

Wichita SHRM Scholarship Fund application

This inaugural session is designed to mentor early-career HR professionals, and we’re looking for both mentors and mentees to join this free program.

If you’re interested in growing your HR network, gaining guidance, or helping shape the next generation of HR talent, we’d love to hear from you!

📅 Deadline to submit your interest: December 1, 2025
💡Encourage someone you know to participate, or submit your own interest today!

Apply Here: https://www.wichitashrm.org/page/mentoring

Kayla has a passion for empowering professionals, and brings extensive experience in human resources, total rewards, and compliance to help individuals navigate their career paths. As Vice President of Human Resources at Avantic Lodging Enterprises, she leads strategic HR initiatives, benefits programs, and employee engagement efforts.  Beyond her corporate role, she is committed to mentoring job seekers through mock interviews and mentoring, offering guidance on resume development, interview techniques, and career readiness. She believes HR professionals play a vital role in community programs, helping individuals prepare for opportunities such as college admissions, internships, and even careers within her own organization. Pictured: Michelle Moe Witte, Chapter President, presenting Kayla Hedges with her Award.

Bria demonstrates leadership in the HR profession by leading with compassion, integrity, and accountability. Her approach centers on balancing the strategic needs of the organization with a deep commitment to supporting and protecting its most valuable assets, its people. She has guided organizations in transitioning from outdated and ineffective practices to modern, people-focused solutions that are both empowering and operationally efficient. Through principled leadership and a forward-thinking mindset, she strives to cultivate inclusive, high-performing workplaces grounded in trust and excellence.  Her contributions to the field include educating senior leaders on the value of progressive HR strategies, advocating for HR to have a meaningful voice at the decision-making table, and embedding inclusion into every aspect of our work. She consistently speaks up when it matters, ensuring that employee needs and ethical considerations are never overlooked. She leads and facilitates staff training across a wide range of topics to build more effective, engaged teams.

The Excel Award—given at the Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum levels—is a symbol of excellence in chapter and state council leadership. Honorees are recognized for activities that align with SHRM’s mission to empower people and workplaces by advancing human resource practices and maximizing human potential.

“SHRM’s impact on the world of work is made possible by the dedication and leadership of our chapters and state councils,” said Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., SHRM-SCP, president and chief executive officer of SHRM. “The Gold Excel Award is not only a celebration of the great work done by Wichita SHRM—it’s recognition of their focus, innovation, and determination to create better workplaces. Their HR leadership is truly exemplary.”

Wichita SHRM will receive national recognition through SHRM publications and events, an official award logo for use in communications, and tools to help share this achievement with its members and community.

In 2024, the Chapter led several impactful initiatives, including membership, certification, and apprenticeship program promotion, supporting the growth and success of HR professionals and organizations across the Wichita area.

Annually, Wichita SHRM has awarded an outstanding HR professional with the HR Professional of the Year Award. These individuals demonstrate leadership, passion for the HR profession, and community involvement. 

The Rising Star Award honors HR professionals in the early stages of their careers.

Share the link below to nominate an HR professional or Rising Star.
Self-nominations are encouraged! Form submissions will be accepted through April 30, and winners will be announced at the June luncheon. 

Nomination Form

Eligibility criteria for education scholarships:

1. Applicants shall have a junior or senior standing in undergraduate coursework or be a graduate student.
2. Applicants shall be enrolled in an accredited college or university with a human resource degree program(s) based in Wichita, Kansas, currently including Friends University and Wichita State University.
3. Applicants shall have and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
4. Applicants shall have a declared major in a Human Resource Management related field or be enrolled in a relevant graduate degree with an emphasis or focus on Human Resources.
5. Applicants shall have demonstrated commitment and interest in Human Resources through one or more of the following:
1. Involvement in campus and/or community service.
2. Involvement in SHRM at the student or professional level.
3. Description of work experience in a Human Resource-related area.
6. Optional: Submit a letter of recommendation from an advisor, professor, or employer.
7. Optional: Cover letter

Eligibility for SHRM Certification Prep Scholarship:

1. Applicants must be a member of Wichita SHRM.

2. Applicants shall have demonstrated commitment and interest in Human Resources through one or more of the following:
1. Involvement in campus and/or community service.
2. Involvement in SHRM at the student or professional level.
3. Description of work experience in a Human Resource related area.
   
   
3. Applicants must be actively working in a Human Resource-related area.

The grant of Scholarships will be made for Spring 2025. Applications are being accepted between April 5, 2025 and May 2, 2025.  The Board of Trustees will contact the recipients by May 16^th, 2025.  The Board of Trustees has dollars to be awarded in University Scholarships, and a SHRM learning systems for certification. Interested individuals can find an application by clicking here or accessing the link below.  Completed application and materials should be emailed to SHRM Scholarship Fund at vicki.plank@meritrustcu.org.

Wichita SHRM Scholarship Fund application

Winners were announced at the June luncheon and presented with a certificate.

Congratulations to Doris Queen, HR Professional of the Year, and to Kelli Sturm, Rising Star Award winners!

The fund was started by the chapter in 2010 in order to give back in alignment with our mission: to serve the needs of the HR professional, to advance the HR profession, and to enhance the effectiveness of our members as business partners. The Wichita Chapter is one of only a handful of SHRM Chapters nationally to have its own dedicated scholarship fund. It is a pretty big deal. Each year, a Board of Trustees is tasked with selecting individuals for scholarship awards. This year, the Trustees awarded 3 scholarships of $1,000 each. Winners were selected with consideration of their campus, community, and SHRM involvement, their scholastic record, and their experience and passion for HR. Congratulations to the winners for their achievements! We wish you continued success in your education and future career in HR!

The EXCEL award is given to state councils and chapters to recognize major accomplishments, strategic activities, and tactical initiatives that elevate the profession of human resources.

“SHRM’s impact on the world of work is due to the dedication and efforts of our chapters and state councils like Wichita SHRM. “The Gold EXCEL Award is not only a celebration of the great work done by Wichita SHRM—it’s also recognition of their focus and determination to cause the effect to make great workplaces”, said Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., SHRM-SCP, president, and chief executive officer of SHRM.  “Their HR leadership is exemplary.”

The EXCEL Award can be earned at four levels: bronze, silver, gold and platinum. Each level has a prescribed set of requirements and accomplishments that must be met. Wichita SHRM will receive recognition in SHRM publications and at conferences, a logo to display on its website, and information to share with its members about the significance of this award.

This change will allow Wichita SHRM to continue to provide high-quality programs and value.  Thank you for your continued support of Wichita SHRM. We look forward to serving you in the year ahead and providing valuable opportunities for professional growth and networking within the HR Community.

The 2024 Wichita SHRM Board

Wichita, KS, April 2023:  The Wichita Chapter SHRM Scholarship Fund is accepting applications from college or graduate students pursuing an HR-related degree or from HR professionals pursuing assistance with certification prep or state conference registration fees. The fund is managed by an four-member trustee board. 

Eligibility criteria for education scholarship:

1. Applicants shall have a junior or senior standing in undergraduate coursework or be a graduate student.
2. Applicants shall be enrolled in an accredited college or university with a human resource degree program(s) based in Wichita, Kansas and/or surrounding areas. 
3. Applicants shall have and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
4. Applicants shall have a declared major in a Human Resource Management related field or be enrolled in a relevant graduate degree with an emphasis or focus on Human Resources.
5. Applicants shall have a demonstrated commitment and interest in Human Resources through one or more of the following:
   1. Involvement in campus and/or community service.
   2. Involvement in SHRM at the student or professional level.
   3. Description of work experience in a Human Resource-related area.
6. Optional: Submit a letter of recommendation from an advisor, professor, or employer.
7. Optional: Cover letter

Eligibility for SHRM Certification Prep Scholarship:

1. Applicants must be a member of Wichita SHRM.

2. Applicants shall have a demonstrated commitment and interest in Human Resources through one or more of the following:
   1. Involvement in campus and/or community service.
   2. Involvement in SHRM at the student or professional level.
   3. Description of work experience in a Human Resource related area.
3. Applicants must be actively working in a Human Resource-related area.

The grant of Scholarships will be made for Spring 2023. Applications are being accepted between now – April 11^th, 2022 – June 1^st, 2023.  The Board of Trustees will contact the recipients by June 10th, 2022.  The Board of Trustees has allocated three $1,000 Scholarships to be awarded in University Scholarships, two SHRM learning systems for certification and 1 KS State SHRM HR Conference registration for 2023 in Overland Park, KS. Interested individuals can find an application online at www.wichitashrm.org.  Completed application and materials should be emailed to SHRM Scholarship Fund at mtaylor@rui.org. 

Link to Scholarship  below: 

 scholarshipapplication_2023.docx

The Wichita Chapter SHRM Scholarship Fund is accepting applications from college or graduate students pursuing an HR-related degree or from HR professionals pursuing assistance with certification prep or state conference registration fees. The fund is managed by an eight-member trustee board. 

Eligibility criteria for education scholarship:

1. Applicants shall have a junior or senior standing in undergraduate coursework or be a graduate student.
2. Applicants shall be enrolled in an accredited college or university with a human resource degree program(s) based in Wichita, Kansas, currently including Friends University and Wichita State University.
3. Applicants shall have and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
4. Applicants shall have a declared major in a Human Resource Management related field or be enrolled in a relevant graduate degree with an emphasis or focus on Human Resources.
5. Applicants shall have a demonstrated commitment and interest in Human Resources through one or more of the following:
1. Involvement in campus and/or community service.
2. Involvement in SHRM at the student or professional level.
3. Description of work experience in a Human Resource-related area.
6. Optional: Submit a letter of recommendation from an advisor, professor, or employer.
7. Optional: Cover letter

      Eligibility for SHRM Certification Prep Scholarship:

1. Applicants must be a member of Wichita SHRM.

2. Applicants shall have a demonstrated commitment and interest in Human Resources through one or more of the following:
1. Involvement in campus and/or community service.
2. Involvement in SHRM at the student or professional level.
3. Description of work experience in a Human Resource related area.
3. Applicants must be actively working in a Human Resource-related area.

The grant of Scholarships will be made for the Winter 2021. Applications are being accepted between now – Dec 10^th, 2021.  The Board of Trustees will contact the recipient by Dec 17^th, 2021.  The Board of Trustees has allocated $5,000 to be awarded in University Scholarships. Interested individuals can find an application online at www.wichitashrm.org.  Completed application and materials should be emailed to SHRM Scholarship Fund at lisa.clark2@hcahealthcare.com.

The proposed Wichita SHRM board slate for 2022 is as follows.

Volunteer to help at the Kansas SHRM State Conference. The Kansas SHRM Chapter with the most chapter members to sign up and complete volunteer hours at the conference will receive cash for the chapter. 

Sign up today! 

Sign up today to attend the McConnell AFB Job Fair. Open to all employers with potential employment opportunities.

When: Sept. 15, 10am-2pm

Location: Dole Community Center Ballroom, McConnell AFB

Cost: Free

Registration is required. Complete the attached registration form and submit by Sept. 10. 

Questions? Contact Dale Johnson or Stephanie Horocofsky with the McConnell Airman & Family Readiness Center at 316-759-6020

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.

“The members of our SHRM student chapters represent the next generation of HR leaders, and it’s critical to highlight the instrumental role they play in SHRM’s success,” said Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., SHRM-SCP, SHRM president and CEO. “The hard work of Wichita State University shows the future of the profession is, indeed, in good hands. I applaud their accomplishments and ability to foster innovative programming, development and interest in HR as we navigate changing workplaces.”

SHRM student chapters have the opportunity to 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, 2020, to April 30, 2021.

To be eligible for the free registration, register for and be present at the August 18 Wichita SHRM luncheon. You must be present to win. Sign up for the luncheon here today. 

Why June? The organizers chose this month to pay homage to the Stonewall uprising in New York City in 1969, an event that helped ignite the modern gay rights movement. In the early hours of June 28, 1969, police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York’s Greenwich Village and began throwing customers outside. Tensions quickly escalated as patrons resisted arrest and a growing crowd of bystanders threw bottles and coins at the officers. New York’s gay community erupted in neighborhood riot that went on for several days. The uprising became a catalyst for the gay rights movement as organizations such as the Gay Liberation Front and the Gay Activities Alliance were formed, modeled after the civils rights movement and the women’s rights movement. A year after the Stonewall riots, the nation’s first Gay Pride marches were held.

What do we know about the rainbow flag? In 1978, artist and designer Gilbert Baker was commissioned by San Francisco city supervisor Harvey Milk -- one of the first openly gay elected officials in the US -- to make a flag for the city's upcoming Pride celebrations. Baker, a prominent gay rights activist, gave a nod to the stripes of the American flag but drew inspiration from the rainbow to reflect the many groups within the gay community.

Today and every day, we stand in solidarity with our LGBTQ+ communities and celebrate PRIDE! Thank you for your courage, your strength, your tenacity, and your immense contributions to our country. As we celebrate, we also acknowledge there is still work for us all to do. Let us continue to work together to ensure that our work spaces, our organizations, our communities are those of equality, equity and inclusion.

The EXCEL award is given to SHRM state councils and chapters to recognize major accomplishments, strategic activities, and tactical initiatives that elevate the HR profession. 

“So much of SHRM’s positive impact on our workplaces can be traced back to the dedication of our chapters and state councils like Wichita SHRM. I’ve seen firsthand how these leaders drive meaningful changes to build workplaces where employers and employees can thrive together,” said Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., SHRM-SCP, president and chief executive officer of SHRM. “The Silver EXCEL Award not only honors Wichita SHRM’s accomplishments in 2020, but it’s also a testament to the hard work it took to get there.”

The EXCEL Award can be earned at four levels: bronze, silver, gold, and platinum. Each level has a prescribed set of requirements and accomplishments that must be met. Wichita SHRM will receive recognition in SHRM publications and at conferences, a logo to display on its website, and information to share with its members about the significance of this award.

Wichita SHRM was recognized for the following achievements in 2020:

• Transitioned to virtual programming to continue to safely provide professional development opportunities to members during a global pandemic. 
• Provided a diversity, equity and inclusion program to share best practices and real-world application from panelists representing organizations in our area, to help members consider what they can apply within their respective organizations. 
• Integrated the members of the South-Central Kansas Chapter of SHRM. 

We've missed seeing you! We are looking forward to returning to in-person programming for our luncheons starting in July. We will return to the WBC Event Venue at 6160 E. Central. Safety precautious include having food served, providing distanced seating, encouraging mask-wearing, and having hand-sanitizer available. 

We will continue to provide virtual programming on a periodic basis for those unable to attend the luncheons in person. We look forward to seeing you at an upcoming event!