The 2025 Fall HR Summit was held on Thursday, October 9th, on Appalachian State University’s campus in Boone, NC, and via Zoom, with hands-on, in-person master class workshops being held on Friday, October 10. This year’s theme was centered on a compelling vision: People First, Future Ready. In a time of rapid change and growing complexity, the summit emphasized the need for HR professionals to lead with confidence, integrity, and a people-first mindset. Hosted by the IOHRM program at Appalachian State University, the event brought together students, alumni, faculty, and HR professionals for two days of innovation, reflection, and collaborative learning.
The summit kicked off with a panel on the practical applications of artificial intelligence in the workplace, featuring insights from Rickey Carroll, Amanda Hutchins, and Daniel Shanklin. This was followed by a live-podcast style conversation with Stacey Hussey and Julie Morrow, who explored how to balance empathy and accountability in leadership. Attendees had the opportunity to participate in a series of engaging breakout sessions led by experienced professionals, including IOHRM alumni. Topics ranged from “Making the Shift: Evolving from Transactional to Strategic HR” to “Architecting HR’s Competitive Edge,’ each offering actionable strategies and space for meaningful discussion. The afternoon included a session on employment law updates with Michael Morrison and Bryan Holbrook, as well as a powerful session on congruent leadership led by Jacquelyn Wieland. The day concluded on a high note with an entertaining and insightful closing session featuring Dr. Tim Ludwig and Dr. Shawn Bergman.
Thank you to all the presenters, sponsors, alumni, students, and faculty who made this event a success, and to every guest who attended, whether in person or virtually. We look forward to seeing you at the next HR Summit!