Three Students Recognized with 2026 SHRM Scholarship for Excellence in HR Management
The James and Gail Ellis School of Business Leadership (previously Anderson School of Management) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Scholarship. Awarded through the UNM SHRM Student Chapter in partnership with Central New Mexico SHRM, the scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, professional engagement, and a clear commitment to the field of Human Resource Management. This year’s recipients are Essence Copeland, Sara Zuni, and Samantha Griswold.
Recipients were formally recognized at the monthly meeting hosted by Central New Mexico SHRM on May 19. Their selection reflects the quality of students advancing through the management programs and the strength of the school’s ongoing partnership with the regional HR professional community.
Meet the 2026 Recipients:
Essence Copeland is recognized for her academic achievement and active engagement within the UNM SHRM Chapter and the broader Anderson community. Her dedication to the discipline of Human Resource Management and her contributions to chapter activities made her a standout candidate for this recognition. Essence exemplifies the professional commitment and character the SHRM Scholarship is designed to honor.
Sara Zuni was selected for her demonstrated commitment to the field of Human Resource Management and her record of professional development and leadership. Sara has consistently engaged with opportunities that connect classroom learning to real-world HR practice, and her trajectory reflects the promise the scholarship is intended to elevate.
Samantha Griswold is honored for her academic strength and her clear promise as a future HR professional. Her work within the school community and her alignment with SHRM’s mission of ethical, people-centered HR practice made her a natural choice for this recognition. Samantha’s achievement reflects well on both the Department of Management and the school.
“Essence, Sara, and Samantha each bring something distinct to this recognition. What they share is a genuine commitment to the field and a clear sense of who they are becoming as HR professionals. This scholarship reflects what is possible when students show up fully — academically, professionally, and as people. I could not be more proud to see them recognized,” said Christopher Nguyen, lecturer and faculty advisor of the UNM SHRM Student Chapter.
The SHRM Scholarship is made possible through the partnership between the UNM SHRM Student Chapter and Central New Mexico SHRM. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to developing the next generation of HR professionals in New Mexico — connecting students to professional networks, certification pathways, and real-world HR challenges before they enter the workforce.
The school extends its congratulations to Essence, Sara, and Samantha, and its gratitude to the Central New Mexico SHRM selection committee for their thoughtful and careful review.
The UNM SHRM Student Chapter at The James and Gail Ellis School of Business Leadership connects students to the Society for Human Resource Management’s national resources, professional community, and certification pathways.
Learn more about the UNM SHRM chapter and other student organizations.
The James and Gail Ellis School of Business Leadership:
As of May 8, 2026, the UNM Anderson School of Management has been renamed to The James and Gail Ellis School of Business Leadership in honor of a transformative $30 million gift. Read more about the Ellis family and the historic gift.
