School of Human Resources and Labor Relations PhD candidate Uriel Saldivar receives the College of Social Science Graduate Student Teaching Award

HRLR PhD candidate, Uriel Saldivar.

Uriel is a published researcher with interests in leadership, negotiated work arrangements, and remote work. He aspires to become a research professor in management upon completing his PhD. Uriel teaches HRLR 315, Research Methods and Analysis; HRLR 211, Introduction to Organizational Leadership; and HRLR 212, Career Management.

The Graduate Student Teaching Award recognizes a graduate student who has demonstrated evidence of dedication to instruction through experimentation and successful implementation of innovative techniques and/or contribution to the scholarship of teaching and learning, including experiential learning; and evidence of excellence in instruction as demonstrated by the impact on students' careers and colleagues' teaching/advising practices.

Uriel's PhD advisor Dr. Chenwei Liao noted, "As a first-generation college student, Uriel values the transformative power of education and integrates this perspective into his teaching to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in his classes. His dynamic teaching style captures students' attention, while his openness encourages active participation from students of all backgrounds, fostering an inclusive and supportive learning community. Thanks to his outstanding teaching, students often remark that they completely forgot he was a first-time professor due to his exceptional teaching skills."

His students describe Uriel as an engaging, compassionate, and inspiring instructor who is focused on building authentic relationships and helping students learn. "Uriel is an empathetic instructor and is willing to offer support when students are in need. He wants students to learn the material of the course in ways that are applicable to their careers, not just for exams. His classroom is an inclusive space for all to explore their identities as a leader and as a future human resources professional," shared student Maura L.

"Besides research, teaching has also been a rewarding aspect of my doctoral journey in the School of Human Resources & Labor Relations at MSU. The CSS graduate student teaching award only further motivates me to continue serving our students to the best of my ability. I would like to thank everyone involved in this award nomination and the College of Social Science for this opportunity," said Uriel.

Uriel Saldivar's achievement exemplifies the high caliber of education within the College of Social Science, and we look forward to seeing how he will continue to shape the field of management and human resources in the years to come.