VILLANOVA HRD DEVELOPMENT SERIES
SAVE YOUR SPOT FOR:
FEB 18
MAR 25
Future Ready HR - HR + AI Skills for the Futurr of Work
Get ready for a fresh, practical take on how HR can lead in an AI-powered workplace. Through candid conversations with industry experts, we spotlight the human skills, strategic insights, and real-world applications that help HR drive meaningful change. Across each session, participants gain the clarity and confidence needed to modernize people practices and shape the future of work with purpose in an AI powered environment.
Earn 1 SHRM & HRCI credit for each session.
The HR Development Series from Villanova is hosted by faculty on trending topics in HR. The goal of the series is to provide our students and alumni an opportunity to connect, network and learn outside of the classroom. Additionally, we hope to bring important trending HR topics to light throughout the series. Conversations and learning from these sessions can be applied to any HRD class that students may be taking and provide our alumni with ongoing learning and development. Sessions are open to all, regardless of if you're a current or prospective student, or an HR professional interested in insightful conversations on trending HR topics.
Location:
- In-person: The Inn at Villanova
- Online: Zoom (link will be emailed)
Time
- 5:30-6:15pm In-Person Food & Networking (in-person only)
- 6:15-7:30pm Presentation (in-person and virtual)
FEB 18
MAR 25
Spring 2026 Development Series
Rewriting the HR Playbook with Applied AI
February 18 2026
Speaker: Eric Offner, SVP Enterprise Sales at Phenom
AI has dominated headlines, but the real story is how applied AI is quietly transforming the day-to-day work of HR. Eric Offner from Phenom will share a brief platform demo to ground the conversation, followed by a practical fireside chat with Dr. Heather Cluley, Associate Professor and Associate Director in Villanova HRD, on how HR professionals can use intelligent technology to uplevel decision-making, strengthen development pathways, and build modern talent experiences that scale. You will leave with clarity on what matters, what does not, and how to lead the shift with confidence.
Designing Change in the Age of AI
March 25 2026
Speaker: Brad Messinger, Head of Financial Institutions and Professional Services at WTW
AI is reshaping how organizations learn, adapt, and evolve, creating an urgent need for new approaches to change and development. In this fireside chat, Brad Messinger of WTW joins Dr. Gerry Brandon, Professor and Director of Villanova HRD, to explore what happens when organizational development, behavioral economics, and AI collide. Brad will share insights from his work with Fortune 100 clients as they design change for the future, highlighting real-world examples of how organizations are modernizing people practices and transforming culture. Participants will get a glimpse of what the future of work may look like, and the practical shifts HR must champion to get there.
The HRD Corner Blog
Visit the HRD Corner! We use this blog to share our thoughts on the world of HR, share alumni, student and faculty stories, and to keep you informed about our program and upcoming events throughout the year!
DEADLINES
For information about application deadlines, please visit the Program Details page.
Important Notices for Distance Education Students
The following includes important information for students participating in online courses, online programs and/or on-ground clinicals or practicums while physically located outside of Pennsylvania.