To remain competitive in today’s knowledge-based economy, the University of Iowa must continue to elevate the role of its Human Resources enterprise, which is at the center of attracting and retaining the world-class faculty and staff crucial to operating a top-tier research institution.

Recognizing this need, the Path Forward–Operations Team recently assembled the Talent@Iowa Task Force to assess and evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of our current HR structure. The task force’s report recommends making HR a stronger business partner by shifting its focus from operational and transactional processes to a more strategic role. For this to occur, we must position HR as an independent organization reporting directly to the Office of the President. This model, similar to the reporting structure at the Ohio State University, Penn State University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, will enable central HR professionals to build stronger partnerships across campus, including with UI Health Care, and better tailor our hiring, employee engagement, and retention practices to different employee categories.

To lead the reorganization, I have appointed Cheryl Reardon chief human resources officer and associate vice president. Cheryl has excelled at the university for 25 years, most recently as the associate vice president for research and economic development. Her long history of leadership includes serving as president of Staff Council (2004–05), a member of the Presidential Search Committee (2007), a member of three university-wide strategic planning committees (2005, 2009, and 2016), and as the chair of the Talent@Iowa Task Force (2016). I am confident she will enhance the role of HR by engaging campus leaders, improving the use of metrics to shape HR strategy, and strengthening the relationship between the UI and UIHC.

I would like to thank the Path Forward–Operations Team for convening the Talent@Iowa Task Force and the members of both teams for their hard work. The task force’s recommendations testify to the value of a collaborative, team-based approach to problem-solving. I would also like to recognize the interim leadership of Kevin Ward, assistant vice president of HR administration. Kevin provided stability and guidance during a year of significant transition.

Within the next few weeks, Associate Vice President Reardon will establish a Talent@Iowa Governance Council to set priorities and coordinate the implementation of the task force’s recommendations. Leaders from the HR community and from across campus will be asked to help create a road map for both the next 18 months and the next five years.

Our success as an institution depends on the people we employ, and I am encouraged by the evolution of HR’s role at the UI.