Abercrombie Named Associate Vice Chancellor for Human Resources

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Barbara Abercrombie

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Barbara A. Abercrombie, a human resources professional from Oklahoma with 17 years of management experience, has been named as the new associate vice chancellor for human resources at the University of Arkansas, effective Oct. 1. Abercrombie previously served for five years as director of human resources at the University of Oklahoma-Tulsa, where she also taught in the department of human relations. She was selected after a year-long, nationwide search.

“I was pleased to get a very strong recommendation from the search committee,” said Don Pederson, vice chancellor for finance and administration. “I believe that Barbara Abercrombie has the ability to bring strategic leadership to a very capable staff and this combination will develop even better human resource services to the campus."

Abercrombie is completing her doctorate in workforce education and human relations at Oklahoma State University. She has a master’s degree in human relations from the University of Oklahoma and a bachelor of science degree from Northeastern Oklahoma University.

“As a first generation college graduate, I have a strong commitment to higher education and believe that the opportunity to attend college should be available for everyone,” Abercrombie said. “I bring to the job of human resources the belief that every faculty member, every staff person, and every administrator changes the life of not just our students but the lives of the student’s extended family as well.

“The goal of a human resources department should be to provide a positive working environment and create an atmosphere that enables faculty and staff to do their best work daily because HR is taking care of their personal benefit, payroll and transactional concerns.

 “My vision for human resources at the University of Arkansas is to continue the long tradition of your land grant university, to build on the gold standard of work-life balance that you have been recognized for as well as building a strategic vision that encourages everyone on the campus to make a difference and change lives for the better.”

Abercrombie has been a national and regional presenter at both the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources Southern Region Conference in 2011 and 2012, and the National Conference in 2011.