Mission Statement
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock Human Resources team department’s mission is to provide strategic and high quality services to students, staff, and faculty in support of the university’s mission to improve the human condition and be a transformative force in the world. This includes leadership in labor and Employee Relations, personnel management services, staffing, compensation, benefits administration and consultation on all workforce issues.
Utilizing our knowledge base and working as a team, we will provide excellent service to our entire customer base in a timely, efficient, and confidential manner, consistent with the goals of the institution.
Vision Statement
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock Human Resources team will become a highly sought after strategic partner of the university, creating/sustaining a university culture of high productivity, student-centeredness, and balanced quality of work and life.
Our Location
The Department of Human Resources Office is located in University Services Building (US-B) 100, across from the tennis courts.
Phone: 501-916-3180
Fax: 501-916-3181
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Mailing Address:
Department of Human Resources
2801 South University Avenue
Little Rock, AR 72204
Meet Our Team
Leadership
LaTonda Williams
Associate Vice Chancellor of Human Resources
lwwilliams@ualr.edu
LaTonda is the Associate Vice Chancellor of Human Resources. LaTonda is responsible for overseeing a broad range of activities, including employee benefits, recruitment, employee relations, policy interpretation, training and development, Title IX, and the department’s overall operations. LaTonda provides guidance regarding disciplinary procedures, oversees the departmental budget, and ensures compliance with state and federal employment laws.
Cynthia Evans
Operations and Finance Manager/Leave Administrator
cgevans@ualr.edu
Cynthia is responsible for the accounting duties of the Department of Human Resources. Cynthia is responsible for processing requests for FMLA, Catastrophic Leave, Medical Leave Without Pay, and Workers’ Compensation.
Benefits Team
Debra Simpson-Webster
Associate Director of Benefits/Leave Administration
dasimpson@ualr.edu
Debra is responsible for the day-to-day administration of employee benefits. Debra administers employee benefits programs, such as medical, dental, and vision plans; life insurance plans, 403(b) and 457(b) retirement plans; and defined benefit retirement plans; long-term disability, flexible spending programs, and voluntary products. Debra also handles retiree benefits and processes death insurance claims. Debra responds to benefit inquiries and complaints to ensure quick and courteous resolutions.
Allen Houston
HR Specialist – Benefits
awhouston@ualr.edu
Allen is responsible for the accounting duties of benefits. This includes payments for retirement plans, flexible spending, voluntary products, and UA System benefit payments. Allen processes COBRA for new and terminating employees, reconciles monthly enrollment for health, dental, and vision insurance, and assists the Associate Director of Benefits as needed with the completion of required reports.
Osibee Johnson
HR Administrative Assistant
orjohnson1@ualr.edu
Osibee assists with administrative functions in the HR office and provides customer service support to visitors, students, and employees. She is also responsible for processing tuition discount requests.
Employee Relations
Karen Baker
Associate Director of Employee Relations Manager/EEO Officer/ADA and Senior Deputy Title IX Coordinator
knbaker@ualr.edu
Karen supports UA Little Rock employees by providing guidance on the grievance and complaint process and facilitating and mediating conflict resolutions. Karen is responsible for requests for accommodations under the ADA and ensures business practices comply with state and federal employment laws.
Andrea Davis
HR Specialist – Employee Relations and Training and Development
aldavis9@ualr.edu
The HR Specialist position is responsible for university-wide employee training, including supervisory and management training, leadership coaching, and development.
HR Business Partners (HRBP)
Each Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) is assigned to work directly with departments and colleges to address their individual HR needs.
Valarie Abrams
vaabrams@ualr.edu
HRBP for College of Business, Health, and Human Services
Candi Barnum
cdbarnum@ualr.edu
HRBP for:
- Vice Chancellor – Advancement
- Vice Chancellor – Athletics
- Vice Chancellor – Finance and Administration
- Vice Chancellor – Student Affairs
- Vice Chancellor – University Affairs
Breashia Lambert
bdlambert1@ualr.edu
HRBP for:
- College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
- Graduate School
- Provost Office
- School of Law
Connie Thorbs
cthorbs@ualr.edu
HRBP for College of Humanities, Arts, Social Science, and Education
IT Services for HR
Sivakamy Chandrahasan
schandrahasa@ualr.edu
Programmer Analyst
The HR Programmer Analyst supports the efforts of the Department of Human Resources by facilitating the collection, analysis, and interpretation of institutional data. They are responsible for troubleshooting and problem-solving to resolve hardware and software problems and maintain the HR website.
Personnel
Michele Curd
Associate Director of Personnel/HRIS
rmcurd@ualr@edu
Michele is the Associate Director of Personnel and HRIS. Michele oversees personnel matters, such as onboarding, ensures classification and compensation comply with state guidelines, submits legislative reports, monitors employment authorizations, supervises the record retention program, and directs the daily activities of the Personnel area.
Stephanie Ferguson
HR Specialist
sdandersonf@ualr.edu
Recruitment
Vacant
Associate Director of Recruitment
ogdedner@ualr.edu
The Associate Director of Recruitment oversees the recruitment area by performing various employment functions in support of the day-to-day operations of the university’s hiring processes. The director provides guidance to hiring managers on the recruitment process, search waivers, job advertisements, and related areas.
Title IX
Emily Bell
Director of Title IX
edbell@ualr.edu
Emily is the designated university official with primary responsibility for coordinating the university’s compliance with Title IX. This includes providing leadership for Title IX activities; providing consultation, education, and training; and helping to ensure the university responds appropriately, effectively, and equitably to Title IX issues.