About Us
Learn more about the University of Mississippi's Department of Human Resources team.
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We are committed to enhancing the employment journey for every faculty and staff member
We provide support for a wide range of employment needs, from benefits and pay to leave, insurance, tuition waivers and performance management. Our core values guide everything we do:
- Demonstrating commitment through pride, performance and a passion for service.
- Cultivating relationships built on trust and integrity.
- Embracing and respecting differences with care, dignity and empathy.
- Achieving results through collaboration and teamwork.
Our Personalized Support
Whether you need help understanding faculty and staff benefits, have a payroll question, are transitioning to retirement or are a department supervisor seeking advice on performance management, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. We take pride in offering personalized support and are always ready to assist whenever you need us.
We positively contribute to the well-being of others with each interaction and transaction. —HR Mission Statement
Meet Our Team
Andrea Jekabsons
- Chief Human Resources Officer
Desha Ferguson
- Director of Payroll and Operations
Teresa Yarbrough
- Benefits Administrator I
Shelly Stoddard
- Human Resources Supervisor - Onboarding
Kimberly Thompson
- Human Resources Assistant II
Jennifer Brown
- Human Resources Assistant
Tori Huckaby
- Recruiting Specialist
Lena Schnider
- Recruiting Specialist
Bryce Drew
- Director of Compensation and Recruiting
Lauren Hatton
- Human Resources Generalist
Leslie Washington
- Benefits Administrator I
Jody Bevill
- Human Resources Generalist
Jason Ivy
- Manager of Payroll
Shakethia Shaw
- Accountant I
Kathy McCluskey
- Human Resources Assistant II
Donna Isom-Joiner
- Accountant I
Kirstie Manning
- Human Resources Assistant
Rebecca Kilpatrick
- Human Resources Assistant
Craig Richmond
- Manager Human Resources
Lynn Wilkins
- Work-Life Resources Program Manager
Recent Policy Updates
The updates offer examples of potential reasons for a reduction in staff personnel and introduce a formal process, including a review committee, for appealing such decisions.
The updated policy reflects a change in the policy name from "Non-Institutional Employment Practices" to "Outside Employment Practices." Additionally, the form name has been updated from "Form 9" to the "Outside Employment Form."
The updated Employment of Relatives policy includes a clear definition of “relative” within the third degree. This category covers grandparents, grandchildren, uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, half-siblings, great-grandparents, great-grandchildren, great uncles and aunts, and first cousins. Additionally, the policy now provides clarified language regarding supervisory chains and supervision.
This updated policy emphasizes the University’s expectation that all employees uphold high standards of professionalism by treating others with respect and courtesy in all workplace interactions. This includes constructive, respectful communication in all University-related activities, both on and off campus, as it reflects positively on the institution. Unprofessional or discourteous behavior, such as using profane or offensive language, shouting, horseplay or making derogatory comments, will not be tolerated. There is also an added guideline regarding no-call/no-show instances.
As of February 2024, the Hours of Administrative Offices policy has undergone a name change from “Hours of Work” and now clarifies who has the authority to approve any schedule variations.
Employment Action Review Committee
To ensure institutional consistency, the established Employment Action Review Committee is tasked to review “Reduction in Force” proposals, donation leave request appeals and proposed separation of employment recommendations, as needed. At the discretion of the Chancellor, additional HR-related initiatives may be referred to the committee.
Employment Action Review Committee:
- Vice Chancellor Steven Holley
- Provost Noel Wilkin
- Vice Chancellor Charlotte Pegues
- Vice Chancellor Shawnboda Mead
- CHRO Andrea Jekabsons
The Employment Action Review Committee does not replace the Personnel Action Review Board referenced in the Non-Faculty Grievance policy.
Questions? Email Andrea Jekabsons, andreamj@olemiss.edu.
The HR Service Center is here to help!
Whether you have a question, need assistance, or are facing an HR challenge, the HR Service Center is here to help. We’re committed to getting you the answers you need as quickly as possible.
HR Service Coordinators
Do you have questions about your benefits? Can’t find a form you need? Have questions about payroll? Our experienced HR Service Coordinators are just a call or email away. They’re ready to provide you with the support you need, as fast as possible.
HR Partners
Our HR Partners work closely with leadership across different departments and divisions to build a supportive work environment. They focus on employee-centered activities and performance management to ensure everyone thrives.