FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Richard Ray, a 24-year veteran in the University of Arkansas Office of Human Resources is joining the UA System Project One team. The team is working to implement the Enterprise Resource Planning solution to replace and update the core administrative systems for finance, procurement, human capital management and payroll at more than 15 institutions across the state.  He will serve as the Benefits Functional Lead for the Workday ERP project, effective Aug. 27. The ERP implementation is a multi-year project with new functions phased in over several years and will replace BASIS. 

“Richard has been a valuable asset to HR and the university for over 24 years,” said Debbie McLoud, associate vice chancellor for human resources. “He is an expert in our employee benefits and knows what is required to administer them effectively. His guidance and leadership will translate to success for the University of Arkansas System. We will benefit from his involvement on the ERP project, but he will be greatly missed. He has been tremendously helpful to our employees. I want to thank him for his dedicated service and commitment to HR and our campus.” 

The campus community is invited to a reception for Ray in the Administration Building’s atrium at 3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 23, with remarks at 3:30 p.m.

Michele Burns, currently the director of classification and compensation, will take over the benefits director duties following a restructuring in human resources. Her new title will be director of total rewards.

Burns has over 20 years of human resources experience, including 18 years in compensation and over 8 years in benefits. She came to the university in 2013 as a senior compensation analyst and has been director of classification and compensation since 2014. She holds several HR certifications including Senior Professional in Human Resources, Certified Compensation Professional, Global Remuneration Professional and Certified Benefits Professional.

She is working on her doctorate in human resource and workforce development education in the College of Education and Health Professions.