UA appoints new vice president for talent development and human resources

Dr. Becky J. Hoover, who is currently serving as interim co-director of Human Resources at The University of Akron, was appointed as the University's first vice president for talent development and human resources, the Board of Trustees announced April 27. Hoover, who began her UA career in 1993, returned to Akron in 1999 after three years at Purdue University, and has been at the University ever since. Hoover begins her new duties effective immediately.

As vice president for talent development and human resources, Hoover will be responsible for creating a compensation philosophy; linking the compensation to performance enhancement and measurement strategies; designing an integrated teamwork approach to institutional advancement; creating an environment that embraces diversity and difference; refining talent acquisition, retention, and advancement strategies and programs; reengineering human resources practices and procedures; and helping assure effectiveness and efficiency in the use and deployment of human talent.

Will lead expansion and upgrades of career opportunities

"Becky Hoover has been an effective leader in the University community for many years," said Dr. W. Michael "Mike" Sherman, senior vice president, provost and chief operating officer at UA. "She will play an active leadership role as we continue developing a serious and pragmatic approach to talent supply chain management through our strategic plan, Vision 2020: The New Gold Standard of University Performance – one that continually expands and upgrades career opportunities through education and professional development. We also must continue to improve the quality of the services we provide and our responsiveness in the traditional human resources functions, while simultaneously acting as an agent for change and a facilitator of change for others. I believe Becky is the right person to lead us as we go forward with these efforts."

A lawyer and professional mediator, Hoover has held various positions at the University and on several Akron community boards. After returning to UA in 1999, she served as an adjunct professor of law and executive assistant for organizational development to UA President Dr. Luis M. Proenza.

Brings wealth of experience to role

Hoover has managed several areas within human resources since 2004, including employee relations, conflict resolution and immigration services. She has overseen the process of consultation with University managers and employees on such issues as discipline, grievances and termination, labor relations, benefits, organizational development, affirmative action and recruitment. Hoover also designed and directed the University’s first Conflict Resolution Services program, which provides mediation, consultation and coaching. She has also held leadership roles on several campus-wide committees, including chair of the Provost’s Workgroup on Academic Plan Design Principles and committee member and principal investigator for an equity study for NCAA recertification.

Hoover holds a Ph.D. in Urban Studies and Public Affairs from The University of Akron and a J.D. from The Ohio State University College of Law. She also graduated from the management development program at Harvard University's Graduate School of Education, and received her undergraduate degree from Kent State University.

"I am honored to be selected as the first vice president for talent development and human resources," Hoover said. "The University's commitment to these areas acknowledges that in order to achieve the goals of Vision 2020, we will need to recruit, retain and develop the very best talent.

"The University will need a community of high performing individuals and teams to go beyond what is simply required to achieve extraordinary results in student success, global relevance, distinction, collaboration, community and integrated planning," Hoover continued. "In addition, the effective and efficient development and administration of Human Resources policies will be necessary to support our community as we work together to realize our shared vision."

Media contact: Laura Massie, 330-972-6476 or massie1@.uakron.edu.