LEAD Awards 2018: Interview with Eric Patton, SJU - Developing Expert HR Leaders

Developing Expert HR Leaders

  Category: Master's Program with Emphasis on HR
  LEAD AWARD RANK: 2
 
  Organization: Saint Joseph's University
  Program: Master of Science in Strategic Human Resource Management
  Department Chair: Eric Patton, PhD
  Graduate Program Director: Jeannine Lajeunesse, MBA
  Email: epatton@sju.edu; jlajeune@sju.edu
  Visit: www.sju.edu 
 

 
Our editorial team interviewed Eric Patton from Saint Joseph's University at the LEAD2018 Awards this past February. Here are some excerpts from the exclusive interview.
 
What is the overall objective of your program?
The objective of our program is to develop HR leaders who are both experts in the field, and this can be general or in a particular area of HR such as training, recruitment, performance management, but also to be strategic thinkers who are comfortable dealing with and being a decision maker. The strategic element is a common thread throughout, and there is enough flexibility for our students to take a deep dive into a particular area as well.  We are looking to develop HR leaders who are both expert in people management and have strong business acumen.
 

Who do you impact with your program?
Our program targets Human Resource Professional seeking a specialized Master’s degree from an AACSB accredited business school.The curriculum is relevant to individuals at various stages of their career and has proven to be a valuable interaction/meeting place for early career and executive-level students. Our program is also 100% on-line and runs in a cohort set-up, with the opportunity for students to begin in the Fall, the Spring or the summer.
 
What are the lessons you’ve learned this year from facilitating your program?
Relevant to our recent rebranding of the program,just how important the field of HR is to our students and our industry partners. The rebranding process allowed us to talk with current students, industry leaders, and former students about what needs exist. 
 
How do you measure the return on investment and success of the program?
As an AACSB accredited Business School, we take assessment very seriously.  We want to ensure that every program at SJU is rigorous and valuable, and that our students leave the program transformed. For the MS SHRM program, we strive that all of our students excel in communication skills, critical thinking skills, leadership ability, and gain expertise in HR functional skills.  We also strive that each of our students develop in line with our Ignatian/Jesuit values.  You certainly don’t need to be catholic to be part of our university, in fact our HR program is extremely diverse which is a real strength, but we do emphasize ethical values of being men and women for and with others, which is really key for HR professionals, and truly developing the whole person through a very well-rounded education. Regardless of your background, these are universally valuable.  In terms of successful outcomes, our greatest examples of evidence are our graduates.  We have graduates who have ascended to top level HR positions in many industries, and who are now working all over the United States and in Europe.  They are our best ambassadors, and we are always happy to put current or prospective students in touch with our alums.
 
What lies ahead for the program and how will it continue to succeed?
We are looking to grow our program nationally, and not just in the Philadelphia/mid-Atlantic region.  As always, we will be attentive to our students and to industry leaders to ensure that we are providing the very best academic experience that serves the career needs or our students and provides valuable output to businesses and organizations in all sectors.