In an email to faculty and staff, Eastern Michigan University President Brendan Kelly announced changes to the staff in the university’s Human Resources department.
Kelly announced that Kathleen Stacey has elected to step down from her position of vice president and interim chief human resources officer to return to a faculty position in the Communication, Media & Theatre Arts department.
"Dr. Stacey has been a tremendous servant leader at EMU for decades, contributing in numerous capacities. She has demonstrated significant leadership in EMU Human Resources and positioned the unit for continued improvement as we work toward the level of service excellence our university requires," Kelly said in the email.
The current Director of Labor Relations Curt Ellis will be taking Stacey’s place as chief human resources officer.
“At a time when higher education institutions must be increasingly adaptive, responsive, and people-focused, Ellis’ experience and leadership will help ensure that Eastern Michigan University continues to build an organizational culture capable of supporting transformational outcomes for students, employees, and the broader community,” Kelly wrote in the email.
Candace Hunter, the current director of human resources operations, will step into the position of assistant vice president for operations in Human Resources, Kelly said in the email. Hunter has been an EMU employee since 2004, he said.
"With extensive experience in Academic Human Resources, her responsibilities have expanded significantly through the years," Kelly said of Hunter. "She brings a collaborative, customer service-oriented approach to enhancing systems while improving efficiency and accuracy within the organization."
This is not the first change of staff under Kelly’s administration. At his first Board of Regents meeting as president on April 16, 2026, Kelly discussed changes to the provost and chief of staff positions, announced in an email earlier that week. Provost Rhonda Longworth stepped down from her position of provost to faculty member, with David Schecter stepping into her role as interim provost. In the Office of the President, Chief of Staff Leigh Greden left his position to spend more time with his family, Kelly said.
At the Board of Regents meeting, Stacey spoke during the open communications slot, expressing her appreciation for Longworth. She explained how knowledgeable and detail-oriented Longworth is, as well as her patience and love for EMU students.
