April 28, 2026

Ferris State Human Resource Management students recognized for excellence through statewide Michigan HR Day partnership

Ferris State University’s Human Resource Management program continues to demonstrate the power of applied learning and cross-campus collaboration through its recent participation in the 17th Annual Michigan HR Day, one of the state’s largest human resources conferences.

Selected for a highly competitive statewide partnership, a cohort of Ferris students served as elite volunteers at the event this month. The opportunity provided direct engagement with nearly 1,000 attendees and more than 60 employers, exhibitors, and HR professionals from across Michigan.

Students played a critical role in supporting conference operations, including attendee registration, session coordination, vendor assistance, and real-time problem-solving throughout the day.

The Michigan HR Day Board formally recognized Ferris State students for their outstanding professionalism, communication skills, and ability to navigate a fast-paced, high-impact environment. According to the board, Ferris State students “went above and beyond in every capacity,” contributing significantly to the event's success and earning praise from employers, sponsors, and conference leadership.

Housed within Ferris State’s College of Business, the Human Resource Management program equips students with practical knowledge in talent acquisition, compensation and benefits, employment law, and organizational leadership. The program emphasizes experiential learning, requiring internships and encouraging employer-connected projects that prepare students for immediate career success.

This impactful student experience was made possible through a strong partnership between the HRM faculty and Career and Professional Success. Faculty members Carol Rewers, Beverly DeMarr, and Richard Niedziolek collaborated closely with Career Readiness Specialist and Employer Liaison Michele Albright to coordinate student preparation, employer engagement, and post-event career follow-up.

“This elite volunteer partnership gives our students unparalleled access to Michigan’s HR community,” Rewers said. “Our students were not just attendees—they were contributors, leaders, and professionals representing Ferris at the highest level.”

The collaboration between the College of Business and CAPS highlights Ferris State University’s commitment to a comprehensive career ecosystem—one that intentionally connects academic programs with employer engagement, career readiness, and real-world application. Through this partnership, students gain not only classroom knowledge but also the professional confidence, networks, and experiences necessary to thrive in today’s workforce.

Beyond their volunteer responsibilities, Ferris students actively networked with employers, explored internship and employment opportunities, and strengthened their professional presence. Employers have already expressed strong interest in continuing to recruit Ferris students based on their performance at the event.

Ferris State’s participation in Michigan HR Day reinforces its position as a leader in career-focused education and employer-connected learning, while also demonstrating the value of collaboration across academic and student support divisions.