Fulbright College Human Relations Specialist Selected for Wildfire Pilot Program

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Elecia Smith

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Elecia Smith, human resources and diversity manager for the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, was one of six members of the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources' (CUPA-HR) selected to participate in a pilot program designed to mentor individuals in pursuit of organizational and workforce excellence.

“I’m excited to attend conferences and be mentored by HR professionals from all over the country who have years of experience in the industry,” Smith said. “I will have opportunities to job shadow and eventually to become a mentor to others after completing the program.”

More than 200 applied for the 12-month immersive professional development experience, which was named the “Wildfire Program” in hopes that it will result in opportunities for the participants, profession and association to “grow like wildfire.”

“Hands-on experiences like this are the type of opportunities we love to see our colleagues take advantage of,” said Todd Shields, dean of Fulbright College. “The chance to learn from industry experts is the perfect complement to the classroom expertise Elecia gained while earning her doctorate.”

The association designed the program to connect a select group of early-career higher education human resource professionals with key association leaders and provide multiple learning opportunities including conferences, training sessions and mentoring. Participants are required to develop a program that reflects their growth and development throughout the process.

Overall, Smith thinks the CUPA-HR Wildfire Program will help her grow personally, develop her skills professionally and benefit the Fulbright College in the future. She is looking forward to the experience and is most enthusiastic about bringing back ideas to incorporate at the University of Arkansas.