Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Education has launched the inaugural advisory board for the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Human and Organizational Development (HOD) program. The board brings together VCU alumni and key partners from higher education, industry, and specialized fields to help shape a forward-thinking curriculum that prepares graduates for the evolving demands of today’s workforce.

The HOD program equips students to lead in the fields of human resources, training and development, organizational consulting, and instructional design. To ensure graduates are ready for the future, the advisory board will provide strategic guidance on emerging trends in human capital development, organizational behavior, instructional design, and the impact of artificial intelligence on workplace learning. Board members will also advise on curriculum updates, internship opportunities, and ways to bridge the gap between academic preparation and professional practice. Members may also serve as formal or informal mentors for HOD program seniors through the program’s required internship experience.

“It’s essential that our program reflects the voices of our community and alumni while staying responsive to the pressing needs of industry,” said Jenna Lenhardt, Ph.D., faculty coordinator for the HOD program. “This board ensures that our curriculum evolves alongside the workforce, preparing students to thrive in human-centered, innovation-driven careers.”

Named to the inaugural board are: Amanda Loucks, organizational design and change specialist at ESL Federal Credit Union; Brianne L. Jackson, Ph.D., dean of Teaching and Learning at Reynolds Community College; Crystal Kardys, director of Global Talent Acquisition; Erin McClinton, board operations assistant in the Office of the President at VCU; Letitia Cherry, a learning and development strategist; Rodney Steppe, a learning and development instructional design specialist; Shellie Smith, vice president of Human Resources at Unboxed Training and Technology; and DaVontte Archie, a human resources leader with experience in people strategy, global talent acquisition, and organizational development.

More in-depth profiles of the new board members can be found on the VCU School of Education website.

Board members will participate in quarterly virtual meetings to share insights on workforce trends, hiring practices, and skills expectations, helping ensure that the School of Education’s HOD graduates are prepared to lead in diverse, rapidly changing environments.