The naming of Hernandez as the award recipient by the Society of Human Resource Management came shortly after the CSU Stanislaus Human Resource Management student team's championship showing in the April 28-29 Pacific Western Regional HR Games at Fresno State. The CSU Stanislaus victory over Fresno State in the finals by the student team of Michelle Page, Kathy Finney, and Christopher Clough clinched a record fifth straight tournament championship and the number one national ranking for the second year in a row.
"I am humbled to receive the award," Hernandez said. "For me it is very satisfying because it is based on criteria that revolves around caring for students, which is something I am passionate about. In a sense, my students are my life, and when they succeed it is like a parent watching their own children succeed."
A Professor of Management/Human Resources at CSU Stanislaus since 1995, Hernandez has directed the student HR Management team to a 66-9 record over the past four years with long hours of preparation. The award recognizes the advisor's contribution to the development of student leaders, participating students' academic and HR examination success, and involvement with innovative projects and merit award programs. In 2004-05, CSU Stanislaus established a new national record for the number of students from one school who passed the Profession in Human Resources examination.
During the team's 2006 national championship showing, CSU Stanislaus student Crystal Jack was named Society for Human Resources Management Leonard Brice HR Student of the Year. The award goes to the nation's top HR student, recognizing academic excellence with overall organizational leadership within the field.
Hernandez will receive a $1,000 cash award and his national award trophy at the June 23-24 National Society for Human Resource Management (NSHRR) Annual Student Conference in Las Vegas. The CSU Stanislaus student human resource management team qualified to attend the national conference with its winning performance in the Pacific Western Regional HR Games. The University's HR program will receive the "Superior Merit" award from the NSHRM, recognizing overall excellence based on club and department activities supporting the academic program.