Last week, Drake’s All Staff Council Recognition Committee celebrated Drake’s Human Resources team with a surprise cookie delivery (compliments of Drake Dining). Read on to learn more about HR and how they make Drake a better place.
What is the mission of HR?
Human Resources is committed to contributing strategically to the mission of Drake University. We seek to embody the best practices of the Human Resources profession by providing excellent, caring, and consistent services that support the ability of the University to recruit and retain a highly qualified and diverse workforce.
Where is the HR office located?
The HR team recently moved to 3206 University Ave., Suite 100 (the old School of Education building).
What is the department’s primary function?
A recent restructure in the HR department has created two functional teams: HR Operations and HR Partners. The Operations Team is responsible for compensation, benefits, onboarding processes, and all HR technology systems. The HR Partners team is dedicated to issues of recruitment, employee engagement, professional development, performance management, employee relations, wellness/work-life programs, and employee recognition.
How many staff members does HR have?
There are seven HR employees:
- Gary Johnson, director, HR operations
- Mary Alice Hill, director, HR partner services
- Marlene Heuertz, benefits specialist
- Debra Wiley, HR partner
- Linda Feiden, wellness and recognition specialist
- Laura Schwarz, HR support specialist
- Diana Lei-Butters, HR systems specialist
Who is the longest serving team member?
Gary Johnson will be celebrating 25 years at Drake next year.
Who is the newest team member?
Mary Alice Hill joined the HR team this past August.
What has the HR team been working on lately that we should all know about?
HR has made a number of changes over the past 18 months and continues to look for ways to improve services and processes. Past initiatives include an enhanced new employee orientation, a New to Drake webpage, BUILD (Bulldogs United In Learning Drake) learning and development program, an online peer-to-peer recognition program called Peerceive, automating the service anniversary and retiree gift program, enhanced wellness programming, and the HR Monthly Minute, which is an informational email sent to employees the first Wednesday of each month. Currently, HR is looking at ways to automate and streamline major processes, such as benefits administration and the administration of student employment.
Terri Howard, Law School/All Staff Council