Becky Shoemaker Lingelbach, payroll director in Human Resources and a 35-year employee of the U of A, is retiring effective Dec. 31, 2020. 

Lingelbach has dedicated her career to the University of Arkansas; ensuring employees are paid correctly and on time and keeping the university in compliance with state and federal laws and university policies. She has been a 'go-to' person on campus for solving complex issues with payroll or data reporting. Her patience and persistence contribute to her ability to untangle any process dilemma. However, as strong as her analytical skills are, she is even stronger in providing caring service and support to people.

"Becky is one of a kind," said Bridgette Johnson, a long-term colleague who served as assistant payroll director before her appointment to the UAF Workday Implementation Team. "She has not only been my mentor professionally but more like a mother and close friend in life.  She truly cares about people, which compliments her perfectionism on making sure all payroll is accurate. If you ask anyone who has worked on this campus and had a payroll question whom to call, they know it's Becky! She is the ultimate problem solver and knows federal, state and institutional laws and policies like the back of her hand. I hope you enjoy your well-deserved retirement. You will be missed dearly."

Debbie McLoud, associate vice chancellor for human resources, is grateful for Lingelbach's valuable contributions to the university. "Becky is an amazing person," McLoud said. "She has been a selfless partner for the campus and tremendous support to me. Becky will get the job done, whatever it takes, and make everyone feel valued along the way.  She has been working since August 1985, ensuring that employees get the pay they deserve, from typing up insurance claims in 1985 to hands-on involvement in implementing effective payroll processes in both BASIS and Workday. Becky's institutional knowledge and problem-solving abilities are priceless. There are not enough words to express how much I appreciate Becky Shoemaker Lingelbach.  It is an understatement to say she will be missed."

Lingelbach's secret to a successful career? "My view on work is that you need to keep your sense of humor," she said, "and have fun or it will make you crazy."  

When she retires, Lingelbach plans to spend a lot of time at their cabin in the woods; expand her succulent and African Violet collections, and (post-COVID) play with great grandchildren. She hopes to visit as many of the National Parks as possible before her traveling days are done!

Bridgette Johnson and Amber Duncan will be assuming leadership of the university's payroll in January.   

 

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