Alcorn’s Williams earns certification as a Professional in Human Resources
Alcorn State University’s Director of Human Resources Carla Williams recently obtained high-level certification as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR), mastering the core HR competencies and skills essential to best practices of the human resources profession as established by the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI). The professional examination was held at the PROMETRIC Testing Center, an official testing site in Flowood, Mississippi.
“Amongst HR professionals and in the work industry, both private and public, this is a highly valued certification,” said Williams. “I am very excited about what this credentialing brings to our institution.”
According to the HR Certification Institute, as of May 2013, there are only 392 certified HR professionals in the state of Mississippi. To become certified, HR professionals must meet strict experience and educational requirements prior to taking the exam. Daily work experience is critically important in preparation for the exam, as well as using Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) study guides and other HR training materials.
“After six months of studying and attending professional HR workshops and training, as well as having eight years of experience of every day practical use of HR knowledge and skills, I was able to take and pass the PHR exam,” shared Williams. “Having certification means that I can apply the acquired knowledge and skills essential to leading an HR department on a daily basis. I will be able to provide advice to senior level management regarding best practices of HR. I will also use my credentials to train others at work, in professional workshops and other external educational and business entities.”
Williams has been employed at Alcorn since 2001 and was promoted to her current position in 2010. She has been active in the field of office administration for 20 years, serving in management roles in both the private and public sectors for eleven of the 20 years. Williams is a member of the national chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA-HR), and the National Association of Professional Women (NAPW) 2011/2012. She has also served as a member of the Southern Region CUPA-HR Program Committee.
