Chris Annicella, director of human resources at the University of Iowa College of Education, was recently presented with UI’s 2025 Outstanding Strategic HR Business Partner award.
Part of the Human Resources and Business Conference Leadership awards, the Outstanding Strategic HR Business Partner award is issued to an HR professional in a generalist or specialist role with a minimum of five years of HR experience in areas including, developing and leading implementation plans, analyzing business information, and functioning as an organizational leader and designer of HR strategy.
“I am so honored and thankful to my colleagues for their time and effort in nominating me for this award. There is a great sense of community, collaboration, and support in the College of Education and among my HR colleagues across the university,” says Annicella. “I am so grateful for the many partnerships that we have in place to support the work and success of our employees. I have worked in the College of Education for over 24 years and UI for 36 years, and I take great pride in being a Hawkeye and being able to support the great work of my colleagues.”
Award criteria required that Annicella demonstrates proficiencies in:
- leadership & navigation
- business acumen
- cultural global competency
- relationship management/communicating for effective relationships
- critical evaluation
- change management
“In every single interaction I have ever had with Chris, she has been a model of professionalism, thoroughness, attention to detail, and most importantly, support. Her efforts, as much as anyone in our College of Education, have not only allowed us to function with utmost integrity, but also cultivate a true community focused on the well-being of all our stakeholders,” notes one of her nominators.
Another nominator states: “Chris is more than an HR Director—she is a visionary leader, a trusted mentor, and a pillar of stability within the College of Education. Her ability to lead through change, champion collaboration, and inspire excellence makes her an ideal recipient of the Outstanding Strategic HR Business Partner award.”