The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is the leading voice of the HR profession.
The Athens State Student Chapter allows students to gain access to an immense information resource at the local, regional, state, and national level and to have opportunities to meet HR practitioners so as to develop personal contacts and networks. The organization also offers professional development workshops, access to HR conferences, and creates visibility for recruitment for HR internships and permanent HR opportunities.
SHRM has over 70,000 professional and student members in more than 425 professional chapters and over 300 student chapters nationwide. With the award-winning SHRM publications, you can keep current on issues and trends affecting the workforce and shaping the workplace.
As a student member, you are eligible and strongly encouraged to attend the Tennessee Valley Professional Chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management monthly professional meetings. The Tennessee Valley Chapter is the Athens State University SHRM professional chapter sponsor. You will meet and interact with HR practitioners representing most of the employers in the North Alabama area. Through networking, research has shown that 60% to 70% of jobs are found by making these types of personal contacts.
Society of Human Resources Management 2025-2026 Chapter Leaders
Savannah Graner Cornelius – President
Contact Me
Savannah Graner Cornelius is a senior at Athens State University, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management. Since Fall 2023, she has proudly served as an officer for the Athens State University SHRM Student Chapter and is also a national SHRM member. Additionally, Savannah is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Alumni Association and the Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society.
Originally from Madison, AL, Savannah moved to New York City after high school to attend the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, completing a two-year Musical Theatre program in just 15 months. She spent seven years in NYC, where she met her husband, before returning to Alabama. In April 2022, they welcomed their daughter into the world.
Currently working for a government contractor, Savannah is a seasoned administrative professional with a strong background in communication, organization, and leadership. She has a proven ability to work cross-functionally, build lasting relationships with key stakeholders, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement. Passionate about human resources, Savannah is especially focused on employee engagement and development, aiming to create positive, inclusive workplace experiences that foster growth and collaboration.
Her passions include travel, music, and theatre. Savannah has performed in numerous productions across Manhattan and North Alabama, and has sung internationally in Rome, Naples, and the Vatican. She enjoys exploring the world with her family, with favorite destinations including Italy, Cyprus, French Polynesia, Hawaii, Greece, Germany, Ireland, and Japan.
Savannah is honored to continue serving ATSU SHRM and looks forward to an exciting year filled with outstanding events and top-notch guest speakers. Feel free to reach out with questions; new members are always welcome!
Sharifah Abubaker – Vice President
Contact Me
Hello everyone! My name is Sharifah Abubaker. I am majoring in human resource management with a double minor in international business and marketing. My anticipated graduation date is Spring 2025. After completing my BS, I plan to pursue my master’s degree in human resources management. I have lived in Madison, AL for the past 15 years. I work as an office administrator/HR assistant for Griffin Industrial Contracting Company. When I am not working, I enjoy watching football and baseball. I enjoy playing sports, going to the gym, and spending time with family and friends. In addition to being an officer in the Athens State SHRM Student Chapter, I am a member of the national SHRM organization, a Bonner Leader with Athens State, a member of the NSLS, a PTK member, and an Athenian Ambassador. Being part of these great organizations has allowed me to attend conferences, build my network, make great relationships, and gain valuable skills for my post-graduation career. I am honored to serve as an officer of the student chapter of SHRM. I encourage all HR majors and minors to join SHRM. If you have any questions about joining SHRM, please get in touch with me.
Ashley Powers – Director SHRM Merits
Contact Me
Ashley Powers is a senior at Athens State University majoring in Human Resource Management with a minor in Marketing. She serves as the Director of SHRM Merit Awards for the ATSU Student Chapter and is also a member of the national SHRM organization, the National Society of Leadership and Success, and Alabama’s Student Retention Council.
Outside of school, Ashley works full-time in the gaming industry and brings over a decade of leadership experience to her roles. She is passionate about workforce development, particularly expanding remote work opportunities to benefit students in rural areas. She also dedicates time to volunteering with elderly residents in surrounding communities.
In her free time, Ashley enjoys creative projects, gaming, reading, and caring for her many pets. She looks forward to continuing to contribute to the growth and success of the ATSU SHRM Student Chapter while building meaningful connections that will last beyond graduation.
Kimberly Wilcox – Director of Communications
Contact Me
Greetings, everyone!
I am an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in Human Resources Management. I have extensive experience, having served as a human resources manager for a corporate retailer for twenty-three years. My career also includes roles as a licensed property and casualty agent and office administrator for an aviation insurance company at the Walker County Bevill Field Airport.
I am proud to volunteer with the Alabama Chapter of the Ninety-Nines, where I actively support women in aviation. Additionally, I am a member of the Delta Mu Delta Chapter here at Athens State University.
On a personal note, I enjoy spending time with my parrots, who always entertain me with their antics during my leisure time. I live with my husband, Jimmy, in a peaceful neighborhood in Winston County.
Lastly, I am thrilled to be one of the dedicated Directors at the Athens State SHRM Student Chapter, a national chapter of SHRM. I am committed to working collaboratively and communicating effectively with my fellow members. Together, we aim to make a meaningful impact in our community and contribute positively to the SHRM Athens State University Chapter. Everyone is welcome to join us!
Zoe Kelsey – Director of Chapter Information Systems
Contact Me
Zoe’ Kelsey is a graduate student at Athens State University, where she is pursuing a Master of Science in Strategic Human Resource Management. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Management with a minor in Psychology in May 2025. As an active member of the human resources community, she serves as an officer for the Athens State University SHRM Student Chapter and is also a national SHRM member.
Professionally, Zoe’ works as a Human Resource Representative at Nextek, an electronics manufacturer in Madison, Alabama. Over the past few years, she has continued to expand her expertise and deepen her passion for the evolving field of human resources, and is committed to staying curious, adaptable, and driven to help build strong, people-first workplaces.
Originally from Louisiana, Zoe’ grew up in Cullman, Alabama, and recently relocated to Madison, Alabama. Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, she enjoys reading, cooking, thrift shopping, and spending time with her famil
Michelle Bissell – Director of Student Relations
Contact Me
Michelle Bissell is an undergraduate student at Athens State University pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management, with graduation expected in July 2026. In addition, to being the Director of Student relations for SHRM, Michelle is an active member for the Athenian Ambassadors and serves as the Secretary for the Student Government Association. Her professional focus is on employee onboarding and talent development, with a passion for creating positive first impressions and fostering continuous growth throughout the employee journey. She aspires to design programs that help new hires feel welcomed, supported, and prepared for long-term success. Outside of her academic and leadership roles, she enjoy gaming with her family and spending time with her cats.
Trudy Rudolph – Secretary
Contact Me
I am an executive housekeeper at IHG Hotels, where our mission is to create Great Hotels, that Guests Love by providing True Hospitality to everyone and becoming the hotel company of choice for guests and owners.
I recently graduated from Athens State University with a BS in Religion and an MS in Strategic Human Resource Management. After 13 years of team building, coaching, and recruiting, I’ve advanced to the position of strategic skilled adviser at DEIB. My accomplishments include a 4.0 GPA and admission into The National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS). I am excited to contribute my passion and enthusiasm to this exciting SHRM chapter. Fun fact: When I’m not working or studying, I like to travel with my two adult daughters through the perspective of my youngest daughter’s business (THIS WAY CREATIONS). Every year, for one week during Thanksgiving, we see her talent through each city we visit, its culture, and its beauty.
For more information, contact:
Gary Valcana, MBA
Associate Professor of Management- Phone:256-216-5374 Phone:256-216-5374
- Email:[email protected]
- Department:College of Business
- Office:
Sanders Hall, Room 214
Tina Camba, MBA
Assistant Professor of Management/HR Management- Phone:256-216-5371 Phone:256-216-5371
- Email:[email protected]
- Department:College of Business
- Office:
Sanders Hall, Room 219