KU HR professional selected for national leadership program

LAWRENCE — Monica Bradshaw, employee relations specialist at the University of Kansas, is one of 13 people selected nationally for yearlong leadership development program designed for early-career human resource professionals working in higher education.

The College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA-HR) Wildfire Program provides opportunities for participants to accelerate their professional knowledge and skills through tailored learning experiences, including mentorship, learning events and courses, and the completion of a project showcasing the insights they gain throughout the year.

“I am thrilled to be selected for this amazing career development opportunity,” Bradshaw said. “I look forward to the knowledge and network growth I will gain by engaging with HR leaders and the other participants. I hope to share best practices through this program with my department, colleagues and the university.”

Bradshaw joined KU Human Resource Management in August 2019 after two years as a human resources generalist with the Indianapolis Zoo. She has a bachelor’s degree in public affairs from Indiana University.

“Monica is already an outstanding human resources colleague committed to customer service. Her selection into the Wildfire program will be a great opportunity for her to continue to grow as a professional and for KU HRM to grow as well. I have no doubt that the project she will choose will benefit the broader KU workforce,” said Julie Thornton, KU director of employee relations.

Bradshaw’s key responsibilities in her current role include managing the university’s Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave, worker’s compensation, shared leave and unemployment programs. She also helps supervisors with best practices, processes and corrective steps to manage employee performance and conduct issues.

“Monica is an extremely knowledgeable HR professional and is exceedingly kind, considerate and compassionate. Those characteristics make her a valuable support resource for KU employees, as well as the perfect representative of KU Human Resource Management to the larger higher education HR community. The Wildfire program is fortunate to have a hardworking and dedicated employee like Monica joining their 2021-22 cohort, and I am excited to learn from Monica as she engages in this prestigious opportunity,” said Katie Varner, KU employee relations specialist senior.

The Wildfire program begins in July and runs through June 2022.