Yohna J. Chambers, vice chancellor for human resources and chief human resources officer, received the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA-HR) 2024 Distinguished Service Award for outstanding leadership of CUPA-HR and higher education HR.
“My ‘Steel Magnolia’ heart is overflowing with love and gratitude for this incredible honor,” Chambers said. “CUPA-HR has been a cornerstone in my career development and an organization through which I have made lasting friendships. I am eternally grateful for the relationships that have developed into friendships over the past three decades with corporate partners, incredible higher education HR leaders and the CUPA-HR staff.”
Chambers has served in many CUPA-HR leadership positions, including President of the Virginia chapter; chair, treasurer and at-large member of the Southern Region board; and Southern Region representative on the national board. She was also a long-time member of the Public Policy Committee in addition to serving as a member of the National Awards Committee. Chambers also acted as a CUPA-HR annual conference ambassador, where she welcomed and engaged with first-time conference attendees.
“Yohna has demonstrated a distinguished, long term and continuing service to CUPA-HR,” shares Jeff Cargile, director of human resources at the Burnett School of Medicine at TCU. “She recognizes the immense professional presence CUPA-HR has and the support the organization provides to its members and member institutions. She has demonstrated leadership on the regional and national boards of directors, served on advisory committees and represented the profession in affiliated organizations … Her professionalism in the field of higher education human resource administration is truly outstanding and valued by everyone associated with her.”
With the recognition, CUPA-HR is making a $4,000 contribution to an institution of Chambers’ choice. She selected the TCU Employee Emergency Grant Program.