Mentor University
NASHRM'S Best Kept Secret - Mentor University
NASHRM Mentor University (NMU) is a great program and one of the best kept secrets of our chapter. NMU is a structured setting where one can develop beneficial one-on-one relationships between mentors, HR professionals with fifteen (15) years or more of HR experience, that are paired with mentees. We work on developing presentation skills, provide insight into standards of HR knowledge, and develop strong networking skills within the group to transfer to the workforce. The program establishes the foundation for the framework of how issues in the political, social, and economic environments are applied within the workforce.
Mentor University was developed in 2010 to foster the professional development of rising, junior level HR professionals, and provide networking opportunities for senior-level HR professionals. We are providing a way for HR professionals to begin their junior careers. NMU is recognized as an invaluable tool to utilize in getting connected with our people, government, business community, and most importantly our contribution to the many people that we serve in this community and abroad.
Consider nominating a co-worker or subordinate to participate. This is an excellent way to recognize someone as having high potential to advance in your organization as a leader. See the below 2025 NMU Fact Sheet and application for criteria and schedule.
How Do You Apply for NMU?
Interested? We are now taking applications, due January 10, 2025 for both Mentees and Mentors. Below are the links to the 2025 NMU Fact Sheet and Mentee Application. As explained in the Fact Sheet, members with 15 years' experience may submit their resumes to the NMU Director April Amos directly to request a Mentor application. Contact April at [email protected] for more information about the program.
Participant Testimonials
Consider this feedback from a few NMU participants:
"Joining NMU was such a great opportunity for me. I was able to work with a mentor who has 20 years of professional HR experience. I was also amongst other mentees & mentors with extensive backgrounds and experience in Human Resources. The atmosphere was inclusive, fun and conducive to learning. I found the classes to be challenging and very informative. Though the pandemic hit shortly after we got started, Cindy was able to transition our interactions seamlessly over to a virtual environment. We were still able to have expert guest speakers, fun games along with professional dialogue. Happy hour gave us a chance to virtually unwind and discuss current affairs in a safe environment where everyone's opinion was heard and mattered.
“The best part about NMU is having the opportunity to dive into the North Alabama HR community! From a mentee’s perspective, this program allows you to see how your peers and mentors overcome the same obstacles you face in your career and professional development. As a mentee in NMU 2020, I found excellent value in the conversations we shared on current events in HR practices as well as the core values HR pros advocate for. For a mentor, you would be hard pressed to find a better way to connect with upcoming HR professionals! This is an excellent opportunity to share your “best practices” and add your mark to this professional community!” Jeremy Boles, SHRM-CP, ADTRAN
“My time with NMU was very enlightening. It gave me more connections to people that I probably would not have had the opportunity to talk to in as much detail on my own. The mentors were willing to give their opinion on multiple situations and they appeared to be interested in helping us. I also liked being able to talk to a wide array of people in such broad career fields and levels in HR, it helped get multiple opinions from multiple different views. I also liked that we talked through different scenarios and how they could be handled. I think the mentees definitely learned from the meetings and made some strong career connections with mentors and other mentees. I also believe that the mentors learned from the interactions. Things that I learned during NMU have already helped me in my career showing me ways to improve what I was doing and showing me things I should have been doing that I was unaware of.” Johnny Henderson, Thompson Gray, Inc.
