USD Beacom School of Business Student Chapters Earn National Recognition from SHRM and FMA
The SHRM Student Chapter received the 2025-2026 Superior Merit Award from the Society for Human Resource Management for providing superior growth and development opportunities to its student members, while the FMA Student Chapter received the 2025–2026 Superior Chapter Award from the Financial Management Association for excellence in programming, professional development and student engagement.
Society of Human Resource Management Student Chapter
Providing students with meaningful opportunities to grow as future human resource professionals, the business school’s SHRM Student Chapter opens doors to employer networking events, leadership development, community service initiatives, professional conferences and career preparation experiences.
The chapter’s recent award encourages the development of more effective student chapters and distinguishes outstanding activities and projects. Chapters are recognized based on operations, chapter programming and professional development of members, support of the human resource profession and SHRM engagement.
“The members of SHRM student chapters represent the next generation of HR leaders. Their passion, talent and commitment are vital to the future of our profession,” said Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., SHRM-SCP, president and CEO of SHRM. “The accomplishments of the University of South Dakota SHRM student chapter reflect the innovation, leadership and dedication that will shape tomorrow’s workplaces. I applaud their success and ability to drive innovative programming, professional development and a deeper interest in HR.”
SHRM student chapters have the opportunity to earn an award based on the number of activities they complete during the merit award cycle, the most recent of which lasted from May 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026.
“This Superior Merit Award belongs entirely to our students,” said Joe Donovan, assistant professor of practice in the business school. “They brought current HR policy to life with professional speakers and organized successful fundraisers to support attendance at the SHRM National Conference. This recognition proves our chapter is developing capable, real-world-ready HR leaders.”
The award also highlights the SHRM student chapter’s excellence in chapter programming and commitment to preparing students for careers in human resources.
"The SHRM student chapter at USD plays an important role in preparing students for careers in human resources," said Michael Allgrun, Ph.D., chair of the Division of Entrepreneurship, Management & Marketing and the Division of Health Services Management. "Our HR faculty continues to strengthen the program by creating meaningful opportunities that help students succeed both during their time at USD and after graduation."
Financial Management Association Chapter
The Beacom School of Business’ FMA Student Chapter also received the 2025–2026 Superior Chapter Award for excellence in programming, professional development and student engagement. Through networking opportunities, industry connections—including a visit to Google’s Huddle Space—and experiences that strengthen students’ understanding of finance, FMA helps students build the skills needed for success in the financial industry.
“The FMA Superior Chapter Award reflects the dedication and initiative of our students throughout the year,” said James Driver, assistant professor of finance and faculty advisor of the USD Financial Management Association Chapter. “Our members have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to developing as future finance professionals. This recognition is a testament to the hard work, collaboration and enthusiasm our students bring to the chapter.”
Together, these honors highlight the Beacom School of Business’ commitment to providing transformational learning experiences that prepare students to lead in today’s business world.
“These awards reflect the dedication of our students, faculty advisors and industry partners,” said Klaus Beckmann, Ph.D., interim dean of the Beacom School of Business. “Our student organizations extend learning beyond the classroom through leadership, networking and professional growth. We’re proud of what our SHRM and FMA chapters have accomplished.”
About SHRM
SHRM is a member-driven catalyst for creating better workplaces where people and businesses thrive together. As the trusted authority on all things work, SHRM is the foremost expert, researcher, advocate and thought leader on issues and innovations impacting today’s evolving workplaces. With nearly 340,000 members in 180 countries, SHRM impacts the lives of more than 362 million workers and their families globally. Discover more at SHRM.org.
About FMA
FMA is a professional student organization dedicated to helping students develop their knowledge of finance, business and leadership through networking, professional development, career exploration, guest speakers, competitions and industry connections. FMA provides members with valuable opportunities to build professional skills, expand their network and prepare for successful careers in business and finance. For more information about FMA and its programs, visit FMA.org.
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