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KALAMAZOO, MI—Kristina Pierce of Fairfax, Virginia, a senior human resource management student at ɫɫ�� Michigan University’s Haworth College of Business, was recently awarded a national scholarship from the Society for Human Resource Management. Pierce received the merit-based $2,500 SHRM Foundation Undergraduate Academic Scholarship, which recognizes students’ accomplishments, scholastic ability and leadership potential.

With a passion to improve the experience of the employee, Pierce found the scholarship to be a great fit for her both professionally and personally.

“The SHRM Foundation's commitment to advancing the human resources profession closely aligns with my goals of enhancing workplace best practices and cultivating inclusive environments. As a SHRM member, the organization’s goals prompted me to apply for the SHRM Foundation Undergraduate Academic Scholarship to further my education and professional development.”

Receiving the scholarship will enhance Pierce’s time as a working professional and student as she finishes her last semester at ɫɫ��.

“This scholarship has served as a motivation to continue learning about the human resources field and investing in my career and academic goals. It also represents a significant endorsement of my potential in the HR field. It allows me to concentrate on my educational experience while also alleviating some of my financial responsibilities. I am honored to be recognized by The SHRM Foundation and so thankful to them for supporting my academic and professional development.”

Pierce’s own personal experience is what shaped her goals as she found her fit in the human resources field. Believing that people are the heart of every workplace, Pierce hopes to help employees grow and thrive. 

“People work as a way of finding the means to live and provide for themselves and their family. It is crucial to protect that balance and allow for work to be a place of community, not stress. I want to contribute to an environment where people look forward to coming to work each day.”

Through the support of ɫɫ�� Haworth and the SHRM Foundation, Pierce has found her own sense of belonging, growing as a student and young professional. She says, “The collaborative atmosphere at the college has enabled me to form meaningful connections, making it easy to engage with others who share my interests. Additionally, my involvement in student activities like the Society for Excellence in Human Resources and studying abroad in Germany have created valuable opportunities for networking and teamwork, further strengthening my ties to the college.”

Pierce is proving that hard work, dedication and passion go a long way, through her accomplishments as a student. Being awarded the SHRM Foundation Undergraduate Academic Scholarship is a testament to her academic and professional abilities, all supported by the love for her field.

“Human resources, at its core, is a career built around helping people. I have had jobs where I felt my voice was not heard, favoritism was prevalent and employee concerns went unaddressed,” says Pierce. “My commitment to advocating for fair treatment in the workplace, along with the importance of ensuring that employees feel valued, inspired me to enter the human resources field. I want to make a difference.”

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