Recently Retired Human Resources Staff Member, UARK Leaders Coordinator Passes Away

Jacquelyn "Jacque" Kay Linebarger, 68, a retired Human Resources staff member, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021.

Linebarger, who retired Sept. 1, joined the University of Arkansas on March 2, 2015, as the director of Human Resources Administration after a successful career in human resources in Oklahoma.  

At the time of her retirement, she was serving as the director of talent development and special projects, a position that maximized her strengths in human resources training and program design.

"Jacque played an integral role in providing training and professional development to our university employees," Debbie McLoud, associate vice chancellor for human resources, said. "She leaves a legacy of programs which focus on soft skills and inter-personal growth."

The popular Supervisor Development Certificate Program grew under Linebarger's leadership. She developed numerous other training programs during her tenure, but she was most proud of the UARK Leaders Program, a leadership development program for nominated employees with high leadership potential. The program was developed in conjunction with the university's provost and vice chancellor for finance and administration, and launched in 2020.

Additionally, Linebarger provided guidance in transitioning training programs to online formats when campus went to a remote status due to COVID 19. She also assisted with policy development and consulted on employee relations issues.

Linebarger was born Nov. 2, 1953, in Davenport, Iowa, the daughter of Howard and Ethel Mesecher.

She had a lifelong love of music and was passionate about teaching. Her first career was as a high school choir director in San Jose, California, where she met her husband David. They later moved to Tahlequah, Oklahoma where they raised their two daughters while she worked in human resources at Reasor's Foods, a regional grocery chain.

She is survived by her husband of 35 years, David Linebarger; two daughters, Emily and Anne Linebarger; and two brothers, Don and Tom Mesecher. The Linebargers had a second family at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Tahlequah, where they were longtime members.

A celebration of her life was held Saturday, Nov. 20, in Fayetteville.

Memorials may be made to Symphony of Northwest Arkansas (SONA), or TheatreSquared.