February 25, 2005
Human Resource Development program named “Outstanding HRD Academic Program of the Year”

The Human Resource Development program at the University of Illinois received the "Outstanding HRD Academic Program of the Year" award from the Academy of Human Resource Development (AHRD). This is a major award from the premier professional association that promotes the link between research and practice in the growing field of human resource development. The award was announced this past weekend in Colorado at the annual AHRD conference.

Being selected as the Outstanding Academic Program of the Year is a tribute to the quality efforts of the faculty, staff, and students in the Department of Human Resource Education (HRE). The faculty have worked extremely hard over the past four years to revitalize the program. Beginning with the development of a new vision and mission statement and followed by the creation of a comprehensive strategic plan, the department revised both the master's and doctoral programs, expanded the successful HRE Online degree program, and established an HRD specialization within an MBA program in Poland. According to the new vision statement, the HRE department set a goal to become "recognized at the state, national, and international levels as a leading center for research and education on individual and organization development within the framework of lifelong learning." Based on this award, it appears that this vision is being realized.

This is a very proud moment for all associated with the Department of Human Resource Education and the award offers validation that the faculty and staff are moving in the right direction.