College Relations
2025- 2026 MT|SHRM College Relations: Empowering the Future of HR
Our Mission
At Middle Tennessee SHRM (MT|SHRM), we’re passionate about shaping the next generation of HR professionals. In conjunction with MT|SHRM’s organizational mission, the College Relations Committee’s central mission is to prepare students and early-career professionals for success in human resources through meaningful opportunities to learn, network, and grow.
Meet Our Committee: The Dream Team Behind Your HR Journey
Before we dive into how we can help you succeed, let’s introduce you to the amazing crew making it all happen! The 2025-2026 MT|SHRM College Relations Committee is your go-to resource for guidance, inspiration, and support as you navigate your path in Human Resources.
Our committee members are not just experienced HR professionals, but they are also passionate mentors dedicated to empowering the next generation of HR leaders. Whether you're looking to network, find an internship, or simply learn more about the field, our team is here to help!
Meet the Team!
Check out the PowerPoint slide below to get familiar with the faces behind the mission. These are the people who are working hard to make sure you have all the tools you need to succeed in HR!
How We Help You Succeed:
Our dedicated College Relations Team is here to connect you with:
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Networking Opportunities: Build relationships with HR professionals and peers.
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Career Guidance: Get advice and insights from industry experts.
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Internships & Jobs: Find opportunities that align with your HR career goals.
Whether you're part of a student chapter or exploring HR for the first time, we’ve got your back!
Although we do have several affiliated student chapters in the Middle Tennessee area, students are not required to be a part of a student chapter to be a member of MT|SHRM. Current and previous student members have attended various colleges and universities across Middle Tennessee, including:
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Belmont University
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Lipscomb University
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Middle Tennessee State University
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Tennessee State University
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Trevecca University
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Vanderbilt University
Student Membership: Join Us Today!
If you’re a full-time student, you’re eligible for MT|SHRM membership for only $25 – or even FREE with a valid National SHRM student membership! Unlock access to:
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Exclusive Events
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Professional Development
- Mentorship Programs
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And MORE!
Ready to get started? JOIN NOW and begin your HR journey with MT|SHRM!
Ready to Get Involved?
We're always looking for passionate individuals to join our College Relations Committee! If you’re excited about organizing events, mentoring students, or helping local universities, we’d love to have you on board.
Contact our College Relations Committee Chairs, Jason Wasilewski or apply here.
Essential Functions/Responsibilities of a College Relations Committee Member
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Attend Committee Meetings: Participate in regularly scheduled committee meetings, as your schedule permits.
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Student Engagement: Communicate frequently with students in the College Relations group message and be their point of contact.
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Event Organization: Assist in the planning and execution of College Relations events, and work with other Committee Members to host panels and activities.
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Student Chapter Support: Attend local student SHRM chapter meetings, schedule permitting, and promote the scholarship program to colleges and universities.
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Faculty Collaboration: Engage with local faculty to provide classroom visits discussing HR topics, MT|SHRM membership, internships, scholarships, and more.
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Mentorship: Act as a mentor to college students seeking a career in HR, guiding them through their professional journey.
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Community Service: Recommend and participate in community service projects that can be supported by the chapter.
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Strategic Planning: Contribute to the development and implementation of both short-term and long-term strategic planning for the chapter.
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Chapter Representation: Represent the chapter within the human resources community, advocating for MT|SHRM’s mission.
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Program Promotion: Spread the word about MT|SHRM’s College Relations program and its benefits to student members and local Chapter Advisors. Help market the MT|SHRM transitional program to upcoming graduates or early career professionals.
Time Commitment
We value your time and understand how busy life can be. That’s why our committee members contribute as time permits, making it easy to align your involvement with your interests and schedule.
Mentorship Program
Looking for personalized guidance? Our Mentorship Program runs from October to April and pairs MT|SHRM student members with experienced HR professionals. Gain insight, build connections, and take your HR knowledge to the next level!
Upgrade Your Membership
Graduating soon? You can upgrade your student membership to a Professional Membership at HALF PRICE within six weeks of graduation. Don’t miss out on this amazing deal!
Be a Guest Speaker
Want to inspire the next generation of HR professionals? Our student chapters are always seeking guest speakers to share their experiences. If you’re interested, contact us today to get involved!
Start a Student Chapter
Passionate about HR and want to start a student chapter at your university? Visit SHRM’s website for more info or reach out to Alex Jones or Rachael Prewitt for guidance on how to get started.
Let’s navigate your HR future together! Whether you're just starting out or preparing for the next step in your career, MT|SHRM is here to support and guide you every step of the way.
Scholarship Applications
• Scholarship application for Graduate and Undergraduate (Junior level or higher). **SCHOLARSHIP APP click here.
Student Scholarships are due by November 12, 2022 and will be announced at the December Volunteer and Awards meeting.
Eligibility Requirements:
• Minimum overall GPA of 3.0 in Human Resource related degree program (graduate or undergraduate) at a college or university within the Middle Tennessee area
• Junior standing in degree program for undergraduate applicant
• Current MT|SHRM Student member
Application Requirements:
• Completed Student Scholarship application
• Current copy of resume
• List of current and past extracurricular activities (including SHRM chapter involvement)
• Brief essay discussing your career goals and why you believe you should be selected for the scholarship. Also, explain your financial need for this scholarship. Maximum of two typed pages, double spaced.
• Two letters of recommendation – One from an active MT|SHRM Chapter Member preferred, but not required
• One official copy of your graduate or undergraduate transcript in sealed envelope.
For more information, please contact our College Relations Committee Chair Lulu Gordon.
Mentor Program
Program starts in October each year and runs through April of the following year. The mentor program partners MT|SHRM student members with MT|SHRM professionals and gives the students a chance to learn through their mentor's personal experience in the HR field.
Upgrade to a Professional Level Membership for Half Price
After graduation, students with active MT|SHRM Student memberships are eligible to upgrade to a MT|SHRM Professional membership at half price. Application needs to be made within six weeks of graduation to qualify. To take advantage or learn more contact your chapter faculty advisor, your university liaison or the MT|SHRM College Relations Committee Chair Lulu Gordon.
Student Chapter Meeting Guest Speakers
Our universities are always looking for guest speakers. If you have an interest in speaker for a meeting or a webinar at one of our universities, please contact our College Relations Committee Chair Lulu Gordon on how to participate.
Interested in starting a chapter at your University?
For information on how to start a student chapter, go to www.shrm.org and select community and student programs, or contact one of our College Relations Committee Chair Lulu Gordon.
Sponsor Presented / Special Event 
Approved Speaker Direct 