‘Get to Know’ highlights the missions and contributions of NCSSM working groups, giving them a platform to share their impact with colleagues across the school. To feature your team, please make a submission HERE.
The Human Resources Department plays a vital role in fostering a workplace where faculty and staff thrive, ensuring they can provide the best possible experience for students. As strategic partners, they recruit top talent, support professional development, and maintain competitive and equitable compensation structures. They are a small team of six responsible for both the Durham and Morganton Campuses.
ROLE AT NCSSM AND IN THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA SYSTEM
Human Resources serves as the backbone of NCSSM’s workforce, managing employment, benefits, compliance, and professional growth. As part of the University of North Carolina System, they align with broader policies while tailoring their approaches to NCSSM’s unique needs. Their team works closely with leadership to implement best practices in talent management, employee engagement, and workplace culture.
KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND IMPACT
Enhancing Recruitment & Retention
Facilitated over 100 regular temporary hires for the 2024 academic year and 140 summer hires (May–July).
Reviewed over 1,040 employment applications for the 2024 academic year to ensure a fair and thorough hiring process.
Developed a new employee feedback survey to improve onboarding and long-term retention.
Compensation & Benefits
Actively refines pay structures to promote fairness and alignment with institutional goals.
Communicates and implements policy enhancements, including the new bereavement leave policy.
Training & Development
Provides training on supervision, performance management, talent acquisition, and HR best practices.
Launching "HR Pulse" conversations! Stay tuned for upcoming sessions!
Process Efficiency & Compliance
Streamlines operations, including position classifications, JCAT code updates, and compliance with regulations.
What NCSSM Colleagues Should Know About HR
Human Resources is more than paperwork. They are advocates, problem-solvers, and partners in making NCSSM a great place to work. From career growth and benefits guidance to workplace policies and employee relations, they are here to support you. Their goal is to ensure every employee feels valued, supported, and set up for success.
Thank you to NCSSM’s Human Resources team for their dedication and impact!
MEET THE TEAM!
Associate Vice Chancellor for HR & CHRO
Jaime oversees all HR functions, ensuring alignment with institutional goals, compliance, and workforce development. She plays a key role in shaping organizational culture and talent strategy.
‼️ Fun fact: Jaime is passionate about horseback riding and competes in saddle seat shows.
Human Resources Assistant Director (Morganton)
HR Assistant Director (Morganton) Chadwick oversees talent acquisition, onboarding/benefits, classification/compensation, performance management, employee relations guidance, and permanent employee and position actions for Morganton.
‼️ Fun fact: Chadwick Enjoys cooking shows, sports, and studying stock charts.
Human Resources Consultant (Durham)
Tracy serves as deputy for HR leadership on the Durham campus and partners with supervisors and employees on talent acquisition, compensation/ classification, performance management, and employee relations. She also designs training and engagement programs.
‼️ Fun fact: Tracy is a dedicated Tar Heel and Pittsburgh Steelers fan with three rescue dogs!
Human Resources Consultant
Jamie manages retirement, benefits and leave administration, including FMLA, paid parental leave, disability, and workers’ compensation. She also oversees position and employee action management, HR reporting, and the Employee Service Awards Program.
‼️ Fun fact: Jamie loves antique shopping and finding vintage treasures!
Human Resources Specialist (Morganton)
Mikhaela manages the temporary recruitment process for both campuses including consulting with departments on position classification and salary alignment, conducts employment verifications and background checks, I-9's, and processes temporary employment actions/changes. For the Morganton Campus, Mikhaela also assists with employee benefit support and handles workers' compensation.
‼️ Fun fact: Mikhaela owns two pet parakeets!
Human Resources Specialist (Durham)
Mari manages employee records and administrative tasks, including HR correspondence, filing, form updates, and deadline tracking. She assists with onboarding and handles dual employment, additional pay, independent contractors, conflict of interest, volunteers, and secondary employment. Mari also supports faculty reappointments, tracks certifications, conducts background checks, and contributes to HR projects and reports
‼️ Fun fact: Mari creates colored pencil drawings from nature photography!
