Center for Human Resources and Labor Studies

Director's Message

On behalf of the Center, the CHRLS Alumni Board, and our Advisory Board we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our alumni and friends who played a significant role in propelling the Center's impact this year. 

From the inaugural case competition that brought together cross-functional student teams, to the launch of the People Analytics Leaders Roundtable, the Center is engaged in groundbreaking work that advances the mission and strategic pillars of Minnesota Carlson and the University of Minnesota. We are honored by the strength of this community and we thank you for your continued partnership as we work together to shape the future of work and inspire the next generation of workforce leaders. 

As we celebrate the Center's landmark 80th anniversary and the HR Tomorrow conference's 46-year legacy, we remain dedicated to connecting scholars and practitioners to influence the practice and innovations that shape work, people, and organizations.

Colleen Flaherty Manchester | CHRLS Faculty Director

About the Center

Founded in 1945 by Minnesota Carlson faculty members Dale Yoder and Herbert Heneman, the Industrial Relations Center now the Center for Human Resources and Labor Studies (CHRLS) emerged in response to the nation's growing interest in workforce development following the Great Depression and World War II.

Eighty years later, the Center remains a dynamic hub for innovation, cultivating emerging talent and convening industry experts to inform cutting-edge research and curriculum. By fostering spaces for practitioners to connect, share expertise, and collaborate, CHRLS leaves a lasting impact on the Minnesota Carlson community.

To advance this mission, the Center curates practitioner-led programming, including our signature conference, HR Tomorrow; the quarterly speaker series, Speaking of Work, and the People Analytics Leaders Roundtable. Through these initiatives and our international engagement, we facilitate meaningful connections between industry peers, research, and future talent.