The People Center (TPC) at UNT has been formally approved as an academic center by the UNT Board of Regents.

“Formal approval as an academic center solidifies and sanctifies the efforts and activities that The People Center has and continues to engage in with regards to corporate outreach, student experience, and research,” said Julie Hancock, TPC director and associate professor at the Ryan College of Business. "This recognition by the university further enhances the legitimacy of The People Center and provides additional opportunities for growth in the coming years.”
 
TPC has provided an array of services to both students and key stakeholders in the greater community to help advance the practices of Human Resource Management. Receiving this formal recognition will help elevate the college, while also enabling it to expand its efforts to make an even greater impact.

“This approval offers UNT and the G. Brint Ryan College of Business a competitive advantage in the state of Texas where only one other R1 research institution (Texas A&M University) currently operates an HR Center,” said Hancock.

In addition to continuing to engage with industry and practitioners to advance research efforts, and hosting invaluable community events and workshops that count toward SHRM and HRCI continuing education credits, TPC will be incorporating a number of new student opportunities in the future.
 
From requiring internship experiences for all HR majors beginning Fall 2023, to allocating funding in support of student professional development opportunities—including fund allocation for SHRM professional certification exams, conference and HR competition travel, and financial awards for aiding deserving HR students in need.
 
“The People Center aims to bridge the gap between practice, student enrichment, and academic research,” explained Hancock.

With TPC formally added as a Center, the Ryan College of Business now officially hosts four separate Centers to help bridge gaps and bring greater opportunities to our students, faculty and industry partners.