WMU HR students honored with national scholarship

KALAMAZOO, Mich.— Sarah Cook, of Hudsonville, Michigan, and Haley Jackson of Portage, Michigan, both human resource management students at Western Michigan University’s Haworth College of Business, won national scholarships in April from the Society for Human Resource Management. The students each received the merit-based $2,500 SHRM Foundation Undergraduate Academic Scholarship, which recognizes accomplishments, scholastic ability and leadership potential.

The career preparation, superior educational instruction and experiential learning opportunities provided by human resource management faculty—and area professionals who support the program—set Western students apart on a national stage.

Cook

Cook just completed her first year at Western and has already been active on campus, joining the Women in Business Network and completing an externship with the Kellogg Company while also being named to the dean’s list during fall and spring semesters. Next year she plans to join the Society for Excellence in Human Resources, WMU’s student chapter of SHRM. She also plans to apply for a summer internship at Kellogg, after her successful externship experience, in order to follow in her uncle’s footsteps, who is a current employee of the company. She is the recipient of the Michael B. Kellay Business Scholarship.

 “I am deeply honored to have been chosen for this scholarship,” says Cook. “Being awarded this scholarship reaffirms my belief that every obstacle I have overcome was worth it. This recognition has provided me with a tremendous confidence boost. The scholarship will not only enable me to concentrate on academic excellence, but also on enhancing my professional skills. The Haworth College of Business continues to impress me with its exceptional support, and I am grateful to be a part of the Business Bronco community.”

Being welcomed to the Business Bronco community by Dr. Chen Wang, assistant professor of management, has meant a lot to Cook. “Sarah has truly impressed me with her level of motivation, dedication and commitment to academic excellence,” says Wang. “As a first-year student, she has already demonstrated remarkable critical thinking abilities, impressive logical reasoning skills and strong leadership qualities, as well as a level of maturity beyond her years. I am confident that she will make significant contributions to the HR program in the near future.”

Jackson

Jackson is a junior who serves as vice president of professional development for the Society for Excellence in Human Resources and as director of membership for the Business Association of Mentors. Previously, she was vice president of the Refugee Outreach Collective, as well as an advisor for the Western Industry Research and Exploration Discussions.

She is the recipient of the Dr. Kimon Bournazos Professional Development Award and the Kevin J. Klobucar Family Scholarship. In the summer of 2022, she participated in the global negotiation study abroad program in Germany. She currently works as a talent recruiter intern at Landscape Forms and has landed an upcoming internship as an HR generalist at Amazon. Jackson has been a member of the dean’s list during her entire time at WMU.

"It is an honor to be recognized by SHRM, the world's largest HR professional society devoted to human resource management,” says Jackson. “This scholarship will allow me to focus on my passions within my professional and personal life. Throughout my time at the Haworth College of Business, I have seen personal growth in a way that I never imagined. I could not have developed in the way I have without the extremely supportive faculty at WMU Haworth. It is truly an honor to attend a university that takes pride in its students and makes a constant effort to ensure their success."

One of those supportive faculty members, Dr. Christina Stamper, director of the human resource management program and professor of management, is extremely proud of all that Jackson has accomplished.

“Haley is one of our established stars in the human resource management program. In her SEHR role, she organized and led the HR Networking Night. The success of this event, from both the student and professional perspectives, is a testament to her talent and dedication. I am thrilled to see Haley recognized with this scholarship, because she is truly representative of the high-quality students who graduate from our program,” Stamper says.

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