Guest Scholars:

• Dr. Khalil M. Dirani (Texas A&M University).

• Dr. Joshua Collins (University of Minnesota).

• Dr. Seung Won Yoon (Texas A&M University).

• Dr. Laura L. Bierema (University of Georgia).

Topics Include:

• What is the current climate like for HRD academic programs in the United States, and what factors are most influencing the climate?

• How did we get to this point – what’s a brief history of HRD academic programs in the United States?

• Looking ahead, where do you see this going – how do you see HRD academic programs changing in the next few years?

• How can HRD academic programs respond to the current and upcoming challenges, and what new opportunities could emerge?

• What role can AHRD play as a professional organization to support HRD academic programs as they face these challenges?

Bios:

• Dr. Khalil M. Dirani joined Texas A&M University (TAMU) in 2014. He is currently a professor and Department Head in the Educational Administration and Human Resource Department, and holds the JL & Sidney Huffines `44 Endowed Chair. Before coming to TAMU, Khalil was assistant and then associate professor of human resource development (HRD) in the College of Education at University of Georgia, Athens, which he joined after earning his PhD from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Khalil is an accomplished academic leader and HRD scholar whose research explores themes of learning organizations, talent development in international contexts, convergence research, team science, and interdisciplinary team collaborations. Khalil serves in several leadership roles. He is a founding member of two interdisciplinary international networks (Network-to-Network Gulf of Mexico Network, and Soil-for-Society Network), and serves as Past-President of the Academy of Human Resource Development
  (AHRD), and Executive Board member for the University Counsel for Workforce and Human Resource Education (UCWHRE).

• Dr. Seung Won Yoon, Professor of Human Resource Development and People Analytics at Texas A&M University. His research focuses on enhancing employee and organizational performance by integrating leadership, learning and knowledge sharing, and technology. He frequently applies frameworks from social capital theory, network science, and data analytics in his work. Seung Won currently serves as President of the Academy of Human Resource Development. He previously taught instructional technology for over a decade and worked as an IT project manager for several years.

• Dr. Laura L. Bierema is a Professor in the College of Education in the University of Georgia’s program of Adult Learning, Leadership, and Organization Development. Laura’s research interests include workplace learning, career development, women's development, organization development, executive coaching, leadership, and critical human resource development. Laura holds both bachelor's and master's degrees from Michigan State University and a doctorate in adult education from the University of Georgia. She has over 160 publications, including ten books and the award-winning text Adult Learning: Linking Theory & Practice with Dr. Sharan B. Merriam. Laura served as Associate Dean for Academic Programs in the UGA College of Education from 2013-2017.

• Dr. Joshua Collins, Associate Professor of Human Resource Development at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. He currently serves as the President-Elect for the Academy of HRD and will become President in February 2026. He is the recipient of several prestigious AHRD awards, including the 2015 Monica M. Lee Research Excellence Award, 2017 Advances in Developing Human Resources Outstanding Issue Award, 2017 Early Career Scholar Award, 2021 Laura Bierema Excellence in Critical HRD Award, and both the 2022 and 2023 R. Wayne Pace HRD Book of the Year Award. His research, which has been published in leading HRD journals and award-winning books, focuses on issues of learning and work for underrepresented and marginalized groups, including people of color and LGBTQ populations.

How To Listen

The series is available via any major podcasting service, including the following (click on a name to listen and subscribe):

• Apple Podcast

• Google Podcast

• Spotify

• PlayerFM

• Podcast Addict

• Amazon Music

• Listen Notes

• Stitcher

About The Series:

For full details of the Human Resource Development Masterclass podcast, visit the AHRD website via the handy shortcut of: http://www.hrdmasterclass.com/

Sponsors:

The Academy of Human Resource Development: Are you ready to transform HRD in 2026? Join the Academy of Human Resource Development at the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport Marriott in Irving, Texas, from February 11th to 13th for the 33rd International Research Conference in the Americas! This year’s theme, “Engaged, Healthy, and Whole: Driving Learning and Performance for an Empowered Workforce,” invites HRD scholars, researchers, practitioners, and students to explore how engagement, well-being, and holistic development shape the future of work and learning. Also new this year is a practitioner workshop on February 12. The conference keynote session is with Dr. Brad Shuck, a globally recognized expert in employee engagement, organizational culture, and workforce well-being. A tenured professor at the University of Louisville and Co-Founder of OrgVitals, he partners with Fortune 500 companies and global nonprofits to drive meaningful cultural change. Experience thought-provoking keynotes, cutting-edge research sessions and roundtables that challenge assumptions and advance the field of HRD. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or first-time attendee, the 2026 AHRD Conference is your gateway to professional development, community, networking, collaboration, and actionable solutions. Registration is now open at www.ahrd.org. Organizations are invited to amplify their impact through sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities—from hosting keynote sessions, sponsoring conference breaks, to exhibiting. Sponsoring AHRD connects you to a global network of HR, L&D, coaching, OD and talent development leaders on the frontier of innovation. Be part of a movement driving workplace wellbeing and leadership for all. Secure your spot and explore the conference schedule and sponsorship packages at ahrd.org. See you at AHRD 2026—the future of HRD starts here!