Under the guidance of a new chief human resources officer, the HR department at Eastern Michigan University has plans develop employee engagement and strengthen workplace culture.
Eastern Michigan University President Brendan Kelly announced May of 2026 that staff changes were going to occur within the human resources department.
Three people within the human resources department changed positions. Kathleen Stacey stepped down from her position of vice president and interim chief human resources officer to return to a faculty position. Curt Ellis's position changed from the director of labor relations to chief human resources officer. Candace Hunter stepped into the position of assistant vice president for HR operations after previously being the director of human resources operations.
Ellis, the new chief human resources officer, stated in an email to The Eastern Echo that he is enthusiastic for the future of the HR department.
"I am excited for the opportunity that the Human Resources Department here at Eastern Michigan University has to help to strengthen our culture, support organizational development and employee engagement, and align our HR policies and procedures with the institution’s mission and long-term priorities," Ellis wrote in an email. "As an organization our two most valuable resources are our people and the time we spend with them. Hiring, developing and retaining team members in every employment classification who are committed to continuous improvement and serving our students will serve as the blueprint for our daily work. The clear, student-centered approach that has been articulated by President Kelly, coupled with the sense of urgency needed to prepare for the future of EMU, makes our immediate priorities clear. The HR team is committed to these goals and looks forward to serving the University."
With the changes in staffing, Ellis hopes that the HR department can strengthen the culture, provide organizational development, enhance employee engagement and align the HR policies and procedures with the institution’s mission and long-term priorities, Ellis said in the email.
"We want to clarify and communicate policies, procedures and operating guidelines throughout the university community," Ellis said in the email. "Additionally, the urgency to hire and train employees in all job classifications who exemplify the student-first values espoused by President Kelly is an immediate priority."
