Chancellor Charles Robinson and Executive Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Ann Bordelon provided a progress update on the university’s employer of choice strategic pillar to nearly 100 attendees on April 10.

The event, part of a series highlighting progress on the university’s strategic plan, 150 Forward, focused on efforts to enhance the overall employee experience and create a workplace where faculty and staff can grow, contribute and thrive.

“There is no way we can achieve greater student success or research excellence unless we retain and recruit the right talent” Robinson said. “We’ve got to make sure you, our staff and faculty, feel valued, empowered and informed in ways that allow you to help us achieve.“

Bordelon echoed the importance of making sustained progress toward the goal, which is one of three strategic pillars guiding the university community.

“While we’ve made a lot of progress in our journey, we still have a long way to go.” Bordelon said. “Employer of Choice is not a destination. We’re never going to arrive and be done. We will always be working on it. This is an iterative process continuously improving on what we build."

Following opening remarks, a panel of university leaders shared updates on key initiatives supporting the employer of choice goal, including efforts to improve hiring and onboarding practices, streamline HR policies and processes, enhance performance management capabilities and define a clear employee value proposition that reflects the university’s strengths as a workplace.

The panel featured Amy Ochoa, associate vice chancellor for human resources; Jim Gigantino, senior vice provost for academic affairs; and Ashley Ingram, director of talent development, talent management, engagement, and experience. Anne Shelley, assistant director of talent and leadership development, moderated the panel. A recording of the employer of choice progress update can be viewed on YouTube.

Chancellor Robinson will host the remaining two strategic update sessions at 9:30 a.m. April 15 (Student Success) and at 1 p.m. April 22 (Research Excellence) at the School of Law (E.J. Ball Courtroom).