School of Business Administration

Dean Trevor Collier recently welcomed Sheree Knowles, a 1989 graduate of the University of Dayton and current member of the School of Business Administration Business Advisory Council, to the Business Class Podcast. Knowles, a trailblazer in human resource management, has spent nearly three decades shaping workplaces and empowering organizations. For the past ten years, she has served as the CEO of HR Knowledge Source (HRKS), a consulting firm specializing in talent management, leadership development, and fostering inclusive workplace cultures. She is also the co-CEO of Human Capital Consultants Consortium (H3C), a woman- and minority-owned firm that provides strategic human capital solutions to government clients.

Knowles’s journey began when she was drawn to UD for its academic excellence, values-driven education, and welcoming community. Despite being one of the few Black students on campus, Knowles found a sense of belonging through organizations like Black Action Through Unity (BATU), Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and close friendships that defined her college experience. Living in Marycrest Hall, Kettering Hall, and the Alpha Kappa Alpha house, Knowles embraced campus life from move-in day to building lifelong bonds.

After graduating with a degree in psychology, Knowles pursued a career in workforce development before transitioning into human resources. She credits her psychology background and early experiences at UD with shaping her understanding of human behavior and resilience. These lessons carried into her career, where she excelled in HR roles and eventually became an entrepreneur. Knowles  built a thriving company called HR Knowledge Source, recognized for its expertise in shaping organizational culture and empowering employees. Her second venture, H3C, brings innovative human capital solutions to government clients, leveraging her expertise in project management and organizational design.

Her leadership style, characterized by humor, high energy, and practical application, has made her a sought-after speaker and facilitator. Both of her firms are known for their contributions to talent acquisition, diversity and inclusion, workplace civility, and employee engagement, leaving a lasting impact across industries.

A dedicated advocate for education and empowerment, Knowles remains deeply connected to UD. She established a scholarship fund for business students of color, emphasizing the importance of supporting future leaders. A poignant moment came when she met Isabella Abreu ‘24, a scholarship recipient, who credited Knowles’s generosity with enabling her success at UD and beyond. As a mentor and speaker, Knowles encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to embrace continuous learning, value their unique skills, and confidently pursue their dreams.

Knowles’s accomplishments extend beyond her firms. She is actively involved in professional and nonprofit organizations, including the Cobb Chamber of Commerce CEO Roundtable and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. She serves on the Board of Directors for LiveSafe Resources and has supported numerous community initiatives, including the Urban League of Greater Atlanta and the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Her story, filled with resilience, ambition, and generosity, serves as an inspiration to the University of Dayton community and beyond. Through her work and her connection to UD, Sheree Knowles continues to exemplify the university’s mission of leadership, service, and excellence.