group of LHR professionals looking at a white board

Associate in Science inLabor and Human Resources

Program summary

Develop a practical skill set that is applicable to virtually any industry. This associate degree can build your knowledge of human resources, economics, law, sociology, and employment relations to help you excel in your current role or transition to a new career.

Application deadline

Apply by June 30 to start August 26

Credits and costs

60 Credits$626/$671 per credit

Online Associate in Science in Labor and Human Resources (LHR)

Earn a degree that can help you qualify for a career in labor, employment relations, and human resources in business, government, or labor organizations. With this online program, you can acquire the skills and knowledge to succeed in roles such as an assistant in labor relations, human resources, or payroll services. An A.S. degree in LHR can give you the ability to work in a broad range of positions.

The Penn State Difference

In this program, you will have the opportunity to study with highly regarded faculty from Penn State's College of the Liberal Arts, one of the premier institutions in the world to study and work in the liberal arts disciplines.

This online program is offered in partnership with Penn State's School of Labor and Employment Relations; you can learn from the same renowned faculty who teach on campus, ensuring that you will receive a high-quality education. All courses offered for this degree have been developed using Penn State Quality Assurance standards established by the University. 

Associate in LHR Curriculum

The curriculum in this program can provide you with an introductory foundation of theoretical and professional knowledge through a multidisciplinary approach. The degree draws on the perspectives of such disciplines as employment relations, human resources, economics, history, law, sociology, and psychology.

Courses

To earn this degree, you must successfully complete a total of 60 credits (or more). A student enrolled in this major must receive a grade of C or better in all courses required for the major.

Requirements for the Associate in Science in LHR include:

  • 21 Requirements for the Major credits
  • 8–9 Supporting and Related Areas credits
  • 9–15 Elective credits
  • General Education credits

Online Learning Experience

Courses are structured to allow you to complete assignments when and where it's most convenient for you. While our 100% online courses are autonomous and asynchronous, you will have the opportunity to interact and engage with fellow classmates through integrated experiences. This peer-to-peer interaction enhances your learning experience while strengthening your professional network on a global scale.

Prescribed Courses (15 credits)

  • 3
    credits

    Introductory analysis of the employment relationship and the interrelated interests of management, workers, unions, and the public.

  • 3
    credits

    Examination of basic legal principles underlying the employment relationship, and their social, political, and economic bases.

  • 3
    credits

    The course surveys the main elements of modern labor and employment relations systems in the U.S. and beyond.

  • 3
    credits

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to understand and apply important concepts concerning human resources in the workplace.

  • 3
    credits

    The objective of this course is to enhance students' abilities to use a range of methodologies to evaluate and conduct research in the field of employment relations and human resource management.

Additional Courses (9 credits)

    • 3
      credits

      Methods of economic analysis and their use; price determination; theory of the firm; distribution.

    • or:
      3
      credits

      National income measurement; aggregate economic models; money and income; policy problems.

    • 3
      credits

      Employment relations and legislative and policy responses to labor force issues of racial and gender inequality.

    • or:
      3
      credits

      A study of selected problems in the history of work in the United States, especially since 1877.

    • 3
      credits

      The course will be offered at an introductory level. It is designed to encourage students to explore individual and group behavior at work.

    • or:
      3
      credits

      Personnel selection, training, accident prevention, morale, and organizational behavior.

Supporting Courses (3 LHR credits)

LER courses that are used in the Additional Courses category may not be double-counted to satisfy this requirement. Some courses in this category have prerequisites that are not included in the major.

Related Areas (select 3 credits)

Choose any 3-credit, 400-level AFAM, CAS, ECON, HIST, MGMT, PHIL, PSYCH, SPAN, SOC, WMNST course (Sem: 5–8) OR

  • 4
    credits

    Introduction to the role of accounting numbers in the process of managing a business and in investor decision-making.

    • Prerequisite

      MATH 21 or a higher math course or a satisfactory score on the mathematics placement examination

  • 3
    credits

    Explore what it means to be Black in America by engaging with questions about identity and authenticity, freedom and unfreedom, radicalism and reform, gender and sexuality, and the role of music in African American life.

    • GS and US

      The credits earned in this course may be applied toward the Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS) requirement and the United States Cultures (US) requirement.

  • 4
    credits

    Explores the ethical, political, social, legal and regulatory, technological, and demographic diversity environment of business.

    • Note

      A student may not receive credit toward graduation for both BLAW 243 and BA 243.

  • 3
    credits

    An overview of a body of knowledge that exists concerning the management of modern organizations.

    • Prerequisite

      ECON 102 or ECON 104

  • 3
    credits

    Social control through law: courts, basic policies underlying individual and contractual rights in everyday society. May not be used to satisfy Smeal College baccalaureate degree requirements.

  • 3
    credits

    This class is designed as an opportunity to explore the complexities of interpersonal communication and to develop a repertoire of interpersonal communication skills.

  • 3
    credits

    Examines the function and structure of communication in both formal and informal situations.

  • 3
    credits

    Introduction to organizational factors relevant to management processes, including leadership, motivation, job design, technology, organizational design and environments, systems, change.

  • 3
    credits

    Study of fundamental principles and processes available to the understanding of management.

    • Prerequisite

      (ENGL 15 or ENGL 30) and (ECON 102 or ECON 104) and (MATH 021 or higher or satisfactory score on the mathematics placement examination)

  • 3
    credits

    Applies organizational behavior theories, concepts, and skills to leading and motivating individuals and groups.

  • 3
    credits

    This course introduces key leadership concepts and practices based on current theory and research. It is designed to help students to discover the knowledge and skills that are characteristic of effective leaders.

    • GS

      The credits earned in this course may be applied toward the Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS) requirement.

  • 3
    credits

    The course examines the continuing influence of social and environmental factors in shaping leadership and leadership development.

    • Prerequisite

      Sixth Semester Standing

  • 3
    credits

    Theory- and research-based communication skills for leaders dealing with work-related problems in contemporary groups and organizations.

  • 3
    credits

    Application of theories of decision-making to work-related issues in groups and organizations requiring collective resolution and action.

  • 3–4
    credits

    Focuses on historical patterns and current status of racial, ethnic and cultural groups and issues locally, nationally, and internationally.

    • GS and US

      The credits earned in this course may be applied toward the Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS) requirement and the United States Cultures (US) requirement.

General Education Requirements

Some General Education requirements may be satisfied by courses required for the major. Students should work with an adviser to select courses.

  • Arts (GA): 3 credits
  • Humanities (GH): 3 credits
  • Natural Sciences (GN): 3 credits
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 3 credits
  • Writing and Speaking (GWS): 3 credits
  • Quantification (GQ): 3 credits
  • Any General Education course, including Integrative Studies (Inter-domain or Linked courses): 3 credits
  • United States Cultures (US), or International Cultures (IL) or combined designation (US; IL): 3 credits
    May be satisfied by designated courses that also meet other degree or General Education requirements.
  • Writing Across the Curriculum (W, M, X, Y): 3 credits
    May be satisfied by designated courses that also meet other degree or General Education requirements.

Elective Courses (select 9–15 credits)

Courses chosen in consultation with an adviser.

Course Availability

If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.

Costs and Financial Aid

Undergraduate Tuition

Undergraduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register and the number of total credits you have accrued at or transferred to Penn State.

Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.

2023–24 Academic Year Rates

Tuition rates for the fall 2023, spring 2024, and summer 2024 semesters.

How many credits do you plan to take per semester?If you have 59 or fewer creditsIf you have 60 or more credits
11 or fewer$626 per credit$671 per credit
12–19$7,602 per semester$8,206 per semester

Undergraduate students taking more than 19 credits will be charged the flat tuition rate plus the regular per credit hour rate for each credit above 19. 

2024–25 Academic Year Rates

Tuition rates for the fall 2024, spring 2025, and summer 2025 semesters.

How many credits do you plan to take per semester?If you have 59 or fewer creditsIf you have 60 or more credits
11 or fewer$632 per credit$678 per credit
12–19$7,678 per semester$8,288 per semester

Undergraduate students taking more than 19 credits will be charged the flat tuition rate plus the regular per credit hour rate for each credit above 19. 

Financial Aid and Military Benefits

Some students may qualify for financial aid. Take the time to research financial aid, scholarships, and payment options as you prepare to apply. Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.

How to Apply

Deadlines and Important Dates

Your degree application, including receipt of all transcripts, must be received by the following deadlines to be considered complete.

  • Fall DeadlineApply by June 30 to start August 26
  • Spring DeadlineApply by October 31 to start January 13
  • Summer DeadlineApply by March 15, 2025, to start May 19, 2025

New students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA by March 1. Please visit the Office of Student Aid website for more information about applying for financial aid and recommended deadlines.

Admissions Help

Thank you for your interest in applying to this program. Contact an admissions counselor to discuss your educational goals, financial aid options, and application deadlines.

Admission Requirements

To apply for this program, you must be a high school graduate or have completed your GED. 

What You Need

Applications are submitted electronically and include a nonrefundable application fee. You will need the following items to complete your application:

High school transcripts or GED transcript — First-year applicants are required to submit Self-Reported Academic Records (SRAR). Official high school transcripts will only be required at the time a student accepts an offer of admission to Penn State.

Official college or university transcripts, if you attended another institution, and/or official military transcripts (if applicable) — All college or university transcripts are required regardless of the length of time that has passed, the grades earned, or the accreditation of the institutions attended. Acceptance of transfer credit toward your degree is subject to final approval by the academic department. For detailed information, see the Transfer Students page.

Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. Please send your transcripts by mail or electronically through Parchment, eScrip-Safe, or the National Student Clearinghouse directly to Penn State from the college/university where course work was attempted.

Submit official documents by mail to:

Undergraduate Admissions Office
The Pennsylvania State University
201 Shields Building
University Park, PA 16802

English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Language Proficiency section on the Undergraduate Admissions International Requirements page. Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.

Start Your Application

Former Penn State students may not need to complete the admissions application. Please visit our Returning Students page for instructions. 

If this is your first time applying to Penn State, you'll need to complete the following steps:

  1. Review the application instructions before beginning.
  2. Complete the online application and submit all official documents.
  3. Pay the application fee.

Checking Your Status

You can check the status of your application by using the same login information established for the online application form and choosing "MyPennState — Check Application Status." Your decision letter (confirming your acceptance or denial) will be mailed four to six weeks after receipt of all application materials. An admissions counselor will contact you if additional information is required.

Technical Requirements 

Review the technical requirements for this degree program.

Ready to Learn More?

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Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State associate degree?

Apply by June 30 to start August 26. How to Apply 

Start or Advance Your Career

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You can use the knowledge gained from this program and the support of Penn State career resources to pursue careers in a variety of fields, depending on your goals.


Job Titles Related to This Degree

The following roles are often held by people with this type of degree:

  • Employment Representative
  • HR Coordinator (Human Resources Coordinator)
  • Human Resources Assistant (HR Assistant)
  • Labor Relations Specialist

Employment Outlook for Occupational Fields Related to This Degree

Estimates of employment growth and total employment are provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and are subject to change. While these occupations are often pursued by graduates with this degree, individual outcomes may vary depending on a variety of factors. Penn State World Campus cannot guarantee employment in a given occupation.

Human Resources Specialists

5.9%
employment growth (10 years)
835,360
total employment

Labor Relations Specialists

-0.8%
employment growth (10 years)
62,200
total employment

Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping

-4.9%
employment growth (10 years)
103,680
total employment

Career Services to Set You Up for Success

Student having a virtual meeting on a laptop with a career counselor

From the day you're accepted as a student, you can access resources and tools provided by Penn State World Campus Career Services to further your career. These resources are beneficial whether you're searching for a job or advancing in an established career.

  • Opportunities to connect with employers
  • Career counselor/coach support
  • Occupation and salary information
  • Internships
  • Graduate school resources 

Earn a Valuable Credential along the Way

A figure walking on a path that includes a certificate part of the way through their progress

Show mastery of specific subjects before your degree is complete. Thanks to shared courses across programs, students can often earn a certificate along with their degree in less time than if they earned them separately.

Certificate Program Related to This Degree

The following certificate can be earned while completing this degree program, if you choose to apply and are accepted:

Build a foundation in human resources — with a particular emphasis on course work that examines related policies, legal issues, and employment law — with this online certificate program in labor and human resources.

Learn more about the Undergraduate Certificate in Labor and Human Resources

A Head Start toward a Bachelor’s Degree

A figure standing halfway up a set of stairs leading towards a graduation cap

Not only can this program help create opportunities in your career, it can also give you a solid head start toward a full bachelor’s degree.

Bachelor's Degree Programs Related to This Associate Degree

Some or all credits earned for this associate degree can be applied to the following Penn State World Campus bachelor degree programs:

This 100% online HR bachelor's degree program is SHRM–aligned, making it an ideal choice for those preparing for professional certification. Gain the quantitative and analytical skills to work in staffing, recruitment, compensation, benefits, and other human resource management roles.

Learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Labor and Human Resources

Build a solid foundation in human resources, labor, and employment relations while focusing on humanities and social sciences. This online degree program is designed for students who want to pursue careers in organizational culture, workforce diversity, labor relations, and other HR areas.

Learn more about the Bachelor of Arts in Labor and Human Resources

Contact Us

To learn more about the Associate in Science in Labor and Human Resources, offered in partnership with the Penn State School of Labor and Employment Relations, please contact:  

World Campus Admissions Counselors
Phone: 814-863-5386
Email: [email protected]

School Director

Elaine Farndale

Director, School of Labor and Employment Relations

  • Degree
    Ph.D., Cranfield University of Management, United Kingdom
  • Degree
    M.A., Personnel Management, Kingston University, United Kingdom
  • Degree
    B.A., French and Modern Dutch Studies, University of Hull, United Kingdom

Dr. Elaine Farndale ​is director of the School of Labor and Employment Relations and a professor of human resource management. Dr. Farndale's areas of specialization and research include international and comparative human resource management (HRM); the power, professionalism, and roles of the HR department; HRM and firm performance; change management and HRM; eHRM and new HR delivery mechanisms; and HRM and employee engagement. She has presented numerous papers at international conferences and has published articles and chapters in both the practitioner and academic press. Dr. Farndale has also worked as an HR specialist for several years.

Lead Faculty

Brian Redmond

  • Degree
    Ph.D., I/O Psychology, Graduate Center, City University of New York
  • Degree
    M.A., I/O Psychology, New York University
  • Degree
    B.A., Psychology, Castleton State University

Dr. Brian Redmond is a teaching professor and the lead faculty for labor and human resources and organizational leadership. He worked in several organizations (manufacturing, financial, education, management, and service) before deciding that education was his true calling. He still performs organizational consulting, specifically in the realms of leadership, organizational behavior, and online education. Dr. Redmond teaches and authors courses in leadership that span the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. He has been teaching online since 2004. He has published and presented research and applied solutions regarding online education since 2003.

Faculty

  • Akram Al Ariss

    • Degree
      Ph.D., Norwich Business School, University of East Anglia
    • Degree
      B.S., Engineering, Lebanese American University

    Dr. Akram Al Ariss lectures at Champagne School of Management, ESC Troyes in France. His research focuses on international human resource management (IHRM). He has written several book chapters, book reviews, and journal articles — in English, French, and Arabic — on interdisciplinary issues related to IHRM, including articles in British Journal of Management; Thunderbird International Business Review; Career Development International; Work, Employment and Society; and Personnel Review.

  • Sarah Andzulis

    • Degree
      M.S., Human Resource Development, Villanova University
    • Degree
      B.S., Labor and Industrial Relations, Penn State

    Sarah currently serves as the assistant vice president, human resources for TMNA Services (TMNAS). She joined TMNAS in 2012 as HR manager/HR business partner before being promoted to director in 2013 and AVP in 2017. In her current role, she has responsibility for overseeing and directing the implementation of human capital initiatives in alignment with business strategy. She serves as a trusted advisor to the company's executive management, assists with global initiatives in partnership with Tokio Marine Global Talent Management Group, and leads TMNAS’ human resources business partner and talent acquisition teams. Prior to joining TMNAS, she spent nine years in regional HR and corporate associate relations roles at Nationwide Insurance. She began her career in HR at Dana Corporation in 1999. She also possesses numerous certifications, including Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP), Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR), Compensation Management Specialist (CMS), Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS), Certified 401(k) fiduciary (C(k)PF), Certified Compensation Analyst (CCA), and Associate Fellow, Talent Management through TMI/Wharton. 

  • Matthew Barkley

    • Degree
      MPS, Human Resources and Employment Relations, Penn State
    • Degree
      B.A., Psychology, California State University

    Mathew Barkley is the human resources director for the Pepsi Beverages Company Southwest area of Arizona, New Mexico, and west Texas. He is responsible for developing the strategic people agenda for approximately 1,700 sales, manufacturing, and supply chain employees. His diverse background includes more than 11 years of experience in human resources and another 8 years of sales leadership and operational roles in the consumer electronics, telecommunications, and health care fields.

  • Valerie Braman

    • Degree
      M.S., Educational Administration, Gwynedd Mercy University
    • Degree
      B.A., Literature, Brown University

    Valerie Braman is a lecturer in labor and employment relations courses and a labor educator. Previously, she was employed by the American Federation of Teachers as a staff representative and affiliate organizer. She also served as an instructional reform facilitator and bilingual English teacher at Kensington High School for the Creative and Performing Arts in Philadelphia.

  • Kathleen Conlan

    • Degree
      M.A., Labor Studies, University of the District of Columbia
    • Degree
      B.A., Economics, Georgetown University

    Kathleen Conlan has worked in the labor movement all her adult life. She started in the research department of the Service Employees International Union, and she retired as the education director for the Laborers' International Union of North America in 2012, where she was responsible for developing classes for the union's leadership. She continues to serve on the faculty of the Building Trades Academy of North America's Building Trades Unions. She also teaches in the construction management degree program at Rowan University. She taught online and residential classes at the National Labor College from 2000 to 2014.

  • Renata Dash

    • Degree
      J.D., DePaul University College of Law
    • Degree
      B.A., Political Science, DePaul University

    Renata Dash is an attorney who specializes in labor and employment law. She first practiced labor and employment law for the private sector at a nationally recognized law firm in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, later moving to a position as the associate general counsel in-house at an international labor organization. She holds licenses in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Tennessee, and before the U.S. Court of Appeals in the Sixth and Seventh Circuits.

  • Michael Eggert

    • Degree
      J.D., Duquesne University School of Law
    • Degree
      B.A., Labor and Employment Relations, Penn State
    • Degree
      B.A., Sociology, Penn State

    Michael Eggert began his career as a field examiner for the Pittsburgh Regional Office of the National Labor Relations Board. Subsequently, he was a private attorney in employment and labor law for nearly 11 years, representing a variety of clients that included employers, individual employees, and several union locals. Between 1998 and 2009, he held positions as the director of human resources for the cities of Altoona, Pennsylvania, and Port Orange, Florida, and for The Arc of Centre County, Inc., Pennsylvania.

  • Nicholas J. Enoch

    • Degree
      J.D., University of Dayton
    • Degree
      MBA, University of Dayton
    • Degree
      B.A., Labor Studies, Penn State

    Nicholas J. Enoch is a partner with the Phoenix/Denver/El Paso law firm of Lubin & Enoch, P.C., which focuses on the representation of labor unions throughout the Southwest. He routinely appears before arbitrators as well as all courts and administrative agencies in matters arising under traditional (e.g., National Labor Relations Act, Railway Labor Act, Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act) and non-traditional labor and employment law.

  • Kathleen M. Evans

    • Degree
      MLS, Library Science, Kutztown University
    • Degree
      B.A., English, Bloomsburg University

    Kathleen Evans is a 15-year-veteran of the Pennsylvania State Education Association, where she gained experience as a field representative in negotiating contracts, grievance processing and arbitration, training members in advocacy, expert witness testimony in fact findings, and dealing with various employment issues for teachers and school support personnel. She has also been a classroom teacher, librarian, and local union president.

  • Lu-Ann Glaser

    • Degree
      MPS, Organization Development and Change, Penn State
    • Degree
      B.S., Organizational Leadership, Penn State

    Lu-Ann Glaser has more than three decades of labor and employment relations experience specializing in negotiations, facilitation, mediation, labor-management relationship-building, and alternative dispute resolution. With experience on all three “sides” of the table, her background experience crosses union, management, and neutral roles. Currently, she is the director of labor relations for a large, public-traded and regulated utility company. She has also held positions with the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) and as a labor leader with the American Postal Workers Union, AFL-CIO.

  • Tara Habasevich-Brooks

    • Degree
      Ph.D., Sociology, Penn State
    • Degree
      M.S., Industrial Relations and Human Resources, Penn State
    • Degree
      B.S., Labor Studies, Penn State

    Dr. Tara Habasevich-Brooks' research interests include work and family, and women's employment and childcare. Previously, she worked for several years as an HR manager. In addition to teaching, she works as a research consultant for various clients and as a financial caseworker.

  • Julie Hartley

    • Degree
      M.S., Applied I/O, Colorado State University
    • Degree
      B.S., Labor and Industrial Relations, Penn State

    Julie Hartley has served in a variety of human resource management roles for more than 20 years. She is the director of human resources at Foxdale Village, Inc., a continuing care retirement community in State College, Pennsylvania. Prior to that position, she was human resources manager at the Centre Area Transportation Association in State College. She has achieved both SPHR and SHRM-SCP certifications.

  • Roz Jaffer

    • Degree
      Ph.D., Michigan State University
    • Degree
      M.A., Human Resources and Labor Relations, Michigan State University
    • Degree
      B.A., School of Hospitality Business, Michigan State University

    Dr. Roz Jaffer is a professor of management, human resources, diversity, and leadership. She is a consultant for both public and private businesses, and she has provided a wide range of professional development seminars and training programs. Dr. Jaffer has served as an academic department chair at various higher education institutions. She has also held several other positions in the areas of diversity and inclusion, affirmative action, human resource management, housing, and Title IX.

  • Jill Jensen

    Degree
    Ph.D., U.S. History, University of California, Santa Barbara

    Dr. Jill Jensen serves as an instructor with the School of Labor Studies and Employment Relations and as a visiting assistant professor at the University of Redlands, California. She has focused on the study of comparative labor law and social policy, human rights, and global labor markets and trade. Her academic work analyzes the history of the International Labour Organization and its attempts to formulate and monitor international labor standards in the global economy.

  • Mark Linsenbigler

    • Degree
      M.S., Industrial Health and Safety, Penn State
    • Degree
      B.S., Safety Sciences, Indiana University of Pennsylvania

    Mark Linsenbigler is employed as the occupational health and safety manager at Penn State. His background includes occupational safety and health experience in a variety of industries, including light and heavy manufacturing, construction, and municipal environments. He is also recognized as a certified safety professional by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals.

  • Allison Maurer

    • Degree
      Ph.D., I/O Psychology, Saint Louis University
    • Degree
      M.S., I/O Psychology, Saint Louis University
    • Degree
      B.S., Business Administration, Fontbonne University

    Dr. Allison Maurer has extensive experience in both the science and practice of management in the government (e.g., United States Secret Service and Department of Justice) and other business areas (e.g., Panera Bread, March of Dimes, and Badges for Vets). Her current research interests fall broadly into two categories: personnel selection and managerial decision-making. She has also taught a range of management courses at more than seven higher education institutions, including Penn State.

  • Tunde Ogidan

    • Degree
      Doctor of Management, Organizational Leadership, University of Phoenix
    • Degree
      MBA, Houston Baptist University
    • Degree
      B.S., Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Ondo State University, Nigeria

    Dr. Tunde Ogidan is a proven HR leader with extensive experience across multiple HR disciplines. He has held a number of senior positions in the field of human resources and has been responsible for providing strategic HR leadership and executing HR, market-level, and enterprise-wide initiatives. He is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). Dr. Ogidan has about 15 years of human resource experience that includes organizational development, human resource technologies, compensation and benefits, performance management, strategic talent development, workforce planning, recruiting, change management, training and development, succession management, competency identification and development, and career development and progression.

  • Fantasy Sharrett

    • Degree
      MBA, McKendree University
    • Degree
      B.S., Human Resources, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

    Fantasy Sharrett is a SHRM–certified senior HR business partner with more than 15 years of proven experience in overseeing full-cycle HR responsibilities, including strategic alignment of talent management and business KPIs to achieve key deliverables for financial success. In her professional capacity, she is responsible for leading key HR functions through planning, implementing, and evaluating HR policies, programs, and practices. She is responsible for professionally engaging leaders and managers to solve complex employment law, workers' compensation, and FMLA/ADA cases, as well as terminations and sensitive employee investigations.

  • Timothy Shick

    • Degree
      Ph.D., Administrative and Leadership Studies
    • Degree
      M.A., Industrial and Labor Relations, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
    • Degree
      B.S., Human Resource Management, Indiana University of Pennsylvania

    Dr. Timothy Shick has been in the field of human resources for more than 16 years, working in health care, service, and manufacturing settings. He has experience in the private and public sectors, as well. Dr. Shick is a part-time consultant and a lecturer, and he has been a part-time faculty member at Penn State for many years. His major areas of interest are staffing, training, labor and employee relations, and policy.

  • Kristoffer Smemo

    • Degree
      Ph.D., History, University of California, Santa Barbara
    • Degree
      M.A., History, University of Massachusetts, Amherst
    • Degree
      M.A., Political Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst
    • Degree
      B.A., History and Political Science, Hamline University

    Dr. Kristoffer Smemo has published and presented widely on issues related to labor history. His writings have appeared in Labor: Studies in Working Class History, The Journal of American History, New Labor Forum, and Critical Historical Studies. His most recent submission, Making Republicans Liberal: Social Struggle and the Politics of Compromise in Twentieth Century America, is forthcoming with the University of Pennsylvania Press.

  • Leslee Spiess

    • Degree
      Ph.D., Business and Management, Newcastle University, Australia
    • Degree
      MBA, Newcastle University, Australia

    Dr. Leslee Spiess completed her Ph.D. in the School of Business and Management at the University of Newcastle, Australia. Her research interests include the structures and processes surrounding labor regulation, management strategy, and employee representation. Leslee has taught comparative employment relations for many years.

  • Maja Vidović

    • Degree
      Post Doc, School of Labor and Employment Relations, Penn State
    • Degree
      Ph.D., Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Zagreb, Croatia
    • Degree
      M.S., Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Zagreb, Croatia
    • Degree
      B.S., Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Zagreb, Croatia

    Dr. Maja (read as Maya) Vidović is a professor, researcher, and enthusiast in the field of human resource management, with a specific focus on international HRM. She is a professor at RIT Croatia, in Zagreb, Croatia, and an adjunct faculty for the School of Labor and Employment Relations. Maja lived in State College on two separate occasions, adding up to two and a half years, both times while working for the School of Labor and Employment Relations, which made her a strong supporter of the school and the program. Maja is a passionate teacher, as recognized through receiving an Excellence in Teaching award from RIT Croatia, and the Kelley-Willits award for outstanding contribution to online programs at Penn State. She is the author of several book chapters and many scientific papers, predominantly focusing on human resource management.

  • Michael Wasser

    • Degree
      M.S., Human Resources and Employment Relations, Penn State
    • Degree
      B.S., Labor Studies and Employment Relations, Penn State

    Michael Wasser is the assistant to the president/legislative director for the Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO. DPE is a coalition of 24 national unions representing more than four million professionals in a range of occupations and industries. Prior to DPE, Michael was a senior policy analyst for Jobs With Justice, and he served on the labor relations staff for General Motors at one of its assembly plants.

  • Justin Zartman

    • Degree
      J.D., Texas Wesleyan University School of Law
    • Degree
      B.A., Labor and Industrial Relations, Penn State
    • Degree
      B.A., Political Science, Penn State

    Justin Zartman works for the Connecticut Education Association (CEA) negotiating teachers' contracts and representing teachers at arbitration and state labor board hearings. Prior to joining CEA, he worked for the National Labor Relations Board in their Fort Worth, Texas, office. Zartman is also an elected board member of the National Staff Organization (NSO), the world's largest union of union staff. Zartman represents union members across the country in mediations, arbitrations, and contract disputes through his advocacy work with NSO. In 2019, Zartman was nominated to serve on the Connecticut Paid Leave Authority Board of Directors as the attorney advocating for the rights, benefits, and opportunities of employees.


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