Villanova University Graduate Programs in Human Resource Development
Every great HR professional grapples with a constant challenge: How can I make work better for the people I support and the organization I serve?
Welcome to Ignite HR, a digital collection of evidence-based HR insights curated by members of Villanova University's HRD Program to ignite the HR community to make work better for all.
At Villanova HRD, we believe HR leaders are at their best when they are evidence-based in their approach, committed to high performance, dedicated to creating meaningful work, and focused on building inclusive organizations.
These four pillars are embedded in the Villanova HRD curriculum, research, and professional development initiatives.
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Evidence-Based HR
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Inspiring High Performance
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Making Work Meaningful
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Creating Inclusive Organizations
This collection of insights brings together research and practical strategies aligned with these themes. Written by members of the Villanova HRD community, including faculty, students, and alumni, Ignite HR showcases diverse viewpoints and real-world applications rooted in academic research and professional practice.
We hope you will share these insights to ignite our HR community to create better workplaces and smarter people practices.
If you share on social, please tag us #VillanovaHRD and #igniteHR.
Explore the 2025 Ignite HR Article Collection
Explore the 2025 Ignite HR Article Collection featuring articles from Villanova HRD faculty, students and alumni. Click the article tile to open the article pdf.
Each article was written with the four guiding values of the Villanova HRD program in mind and is color-coded by theme for easy navigation to find content that is valuable for you.
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Evidence-Based HR (orange)
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Inspiring High Performance (yellow)
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Making Work Meaningful (blue)
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Creating Inclusive Organizations (white)
Interviews with the 2025 Authors
Each of our 2025 Ignite HR authors gave a bonus interview with additional insights and content that go beyond their article. Click the authors' picture to watch their video interview.
Bethany J. Adams
DIY Your Job: Using Emotional Intelligence to Craft Meaningful Work
Cluley & Adams
Power Up: The Science
of Micro-Interventions
to Drive High Performance
Anabel Pichler
Beyond the Paycheck:
How Total Rewards Shape Workplace Equity and Foster Inclusion
Kyle B. Ali
The 5 Keys to Effective Teams: How They've
Evolved in the Age of AI and Virtual Work
Tyra Johnson
DEI Still Matters:
Building Inclusive Organizations in 2025
Nicholas Stanley
Evidence-based HR Insights from Vanguard: Accelerating Early Career Talent with Technology
Gerry Brandon
The Evidence Imperative:
A Janus View on Advancing HR from Practice to Profession
Paige Matzerath Lynn
Retaining Gen Z in the Workplace: Blending the Ingredients that Matter Most
Enio Velazco
Transforming HR: A Leadership Development Success Story for Strategic Business Growth
Heather Cluley Bar-Or
Overwhelmed: The Science of Stress Overload and
How to Navigate It
Kelly O. Morgan
Finding Your Fit In the Workplace: The Case for Realistic Job Previews
We Want to Hear from You!
Are you part of the Villanova HRD community and have an evidence-based HR idea, insight, or innovation to share? We want to spotlight the expertise and creativity of our Villanova HRD community. Use the link below to submit your contribution—you could be featured in an upcoming social post or blog article!
Keep the Conversation Going!
Share the ideas from these articles, along with your own learning and thoughts, and be sure to tag #VillanovaHRD and #igniteHR on social media. We can't wait to hear how these insights are inspiring you to ignite HR!
