Laura Alexander (Plymouth State University)
Laura Alexander is the new associate vice president for human resources at the University of Wyoming.
In her new position, Alexander will ensure the university complies with state and federal regulations and is responsible for formulating and communicating employment policies and procedures, says Doug Vinzant, UW vice president for administration.
For the past 10 years Alexander has been the director of human resources at Plymouth State University in Plymouth, N.H., and before that, human resources assistant director for three years at Michigan Technological University, in Houghton, Mich.
UW had been searching for a permanent human resources director and the position was recently upgraded to associate vice president for human resources to attract a stronger field of applicants, Vinzant says.
He says Alexander will provide leadership for the planning, development and administration of all aspects of human resources including employment for all UW employees, compensation/classification, benefits, performance management (classified staff), employee relations and human resources information systems.
She also will maintain collaborative and strategic partnerships with administrative and academic units across campus to make sure that human resources functions are consistent and effective, while ensuring compliance with employment laws and regulatory requirements within the current emerging employment practices guidelines, Vinzant adds.
Alexander says there are many challenges and opportunities in human resources management in higher education.
"Human resources will continue to experience challenges and opportunities in the areas of compensation, recruitment, retention, performance management and overall organizational effectiveness," she says.
Alexander received her B.S. (1983) degree in computer science from Michigan Technological University and an MBA (2003) from Plymouth State University. She also is a member of several honor societies.
She has held positions as human resources information systems coordinator; bookstore computer department coordinator; microcomputer manager; and information systems designer.
