• The class heard from a panel of seasoned HR professionals consisting of:
  Barbara Beck, Principal Consultant at Beck HR Consulting (formerly Associate
  Vice President Finance & Administration and Chief Human Resource Officer,
  Skidmore College)
• Sherri Donnelly, Director of Human Resources at Albany Law School
• Crystal Marceau, Executive Director of Human Resources at Mohawk Valley
  Community College

Each speaker shared personal experiences and valuable insights on how they build strong, supportive relationships with faculty, staff, and students in academic environments. It was inspiring to hear how HR leaders in higher education skillfully navigate organizational structure and shared governance, all while keeping people, purpose, and progress at the heart of their mission.

We also learned about the vibrant energy of college campuses, from the enthusiasm of students and the buzz of clubs and sporting events to the deep sense of community that makes higher ed such a dynamic and rewarding space to support.

Following the panel, we enjoyed a walking tour of Union College’s beautiful and historic campus, including a visit to the iconic Nott Memorial, where many campus and community events are held.

The day concluded with an interactive session led by Barbara Beck on HR Impact: Strategy, Change, and Ethics, a powerful reminder of how HR professionals can shape culture and drive meaningful transformation. Barbara also shared an incredible tool to help assess the potential success of change initiatives, which participants can apply in their own organizations.

Thank you to Union College for hosting us, and to our panelists for their thoughtful insights!