2026 Is Going To Be Exciting!

We are thrilled to begin the Spring 2026 semester! Welcome back to our returning students and alumni, and a warm welcome to all of our new students joining us this term. We have a very exciting semester planned and hope to see you at upcoming events.

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Villanova Spring Development Series 2026

The theme for this semester is Future Ready HR: HR + AI Skills for the Future of Work. This series, providing a fresh look at how HR can lead in an AI-powered workplace, consists of two sessions that is open to all HRD students, alum, faculty, and guests, offered both in-person and virtually. Through candid conversations with industry experts, each session highlights the human skills, strategic insights, and real-world applications HR professionals need to drive meaningful change.

On February 18, 2026, Eric Offner, SVP Enterprise Sales at Phenom, will join Dr. Heather Cluley for Rewriting the HR Playbook with Applied AI, exploring how intelligent technology is transforming HR decision-making and employee experiences. Then, on March 25, 2026, Brad Messinger of WTW will join Dr. Gerry Brandon for Designing Change in the Age of AI, examining how AI, organizational development, and behavioral economics intersect to reshape culture and drive meaningful change.

Networking with light refreshments will begin at 5:30pm at The Inn at Villanova for in-person attendees only. Then, the presentation will follow from 6:15-7:30pm for both in-person and virtual attendees. Each session is eligible for 1 SHRM and HRCI credit. Registration will open soon! Learn more and register here.

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Level Up HR 2026

Hosted by Villanova University and the Villanova SHRM Student Chapter, Level Up HR 2026 is a three-day hybrid conference taking place from April 22-24, 2026 that will bring together HR professionals, emerging leaders, and students to level up their HR passion, HR network, and HR career. On April 22 and 23, the conference will consist of fully virtual sessions. Then, the third and final day, April 24, will take place in-person at The Inn at Villanova. We have exciting speakers that will be announced very soon, including senior executives leading the way in the HR and Artificial Intelligence spaces, as well as social media influencers known for bringing their energy and insights to companies all over the world.

There are 6 SHRM & HRCI credits available for attending the full conference. Registration will open next month, so stay tuned for more information. All are welcome!

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HR Tea Podcast: A Fresh Brew

This season, HR Tea is stepping away from its traditional interview format to host a series of studio-based conversations with three Human Resource Development faculty members: Bethany Adams, Kyle Ali, and Heather Cluley. Together, they will explore current trends, key challenges, and emerging developments shaping the field of human resources. New episodes will be released at the end of the month. Be sure to follow us on social media, where we will be sharing video highlights and practical insights from each discussion.

We are excited to stay connected with you throughout the semester. Follow us on social media and check the blog weekly for new HRD stories, updates, and events. Go Cats!