About Us

Learn more about the University of Mississippi's Department of Human Resources team.

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

Andrea Jekabsons

  • Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer
Bryce Drew

Bryce Drew

  • Director of Compensation and Recruiting
Desha Ferguson

Desha Ferguson

  • Director of Payroll and Operations
Hunter Haney

Hunter Haney

  • Associate Director of Human Resources
Jessica Hughes

Jessica Hughes

  • Employee Engagement and Communications Manager
Pamela Johnson

Pamela Johnson

  • Director of Benefits Administration
Comfort Agyin-Birikorang

Comfort Agyin-Birikorang

  • Human Resources Generalist II
Husam Al-Omari

Husam Al-Omari

  • Human Resources Service Coordinator
Jody Bevill

Jody Bevill

  • Human Resources Generalist
Jennifer Brown

Jennifer Brown

  • Human Resources Assistant
Kim Criddle

Kim Criddle

  • Manager of Recruitment
Sherelyn Gooch

Sherelyn Gooch

  • Manager of Human Resources (Benefits)
Lauren Hatton

Lauren Hatton

  • Human Resources Generalist
Tori Huckaby

Tori Huckaby

  • Recruiting Specialist
Donna Isom-Joiner

Donna Isom-Joiner

  • Accountant I
Jason Ivy

Jason Ivy

  • Manager of Payroll
Rebecca Kilpatrick

Rebecca Kilpatrick

  • Human Resources Assistant
Joy Kimmons

Joy Kimmons

  • Project Support Assistant
Kirstie Manning

Kirstie Manning

  • Human Resources Assistant
Kathy McCluskey

Kathy McCluskey

  • Human Resources Assistant II
Cabrina Oliver

Cabrina Oliver

  • Payroll Lead, Time Tracking and Absence Management Lead
Rocklyn Reed

Rocklyn Reed

  • Human Resources Generalist II
Craig Richmond

Craig Richmond

  • Manager Human Resources
Megan Roland

Megan Roland

  • Human Resources Assistant
Lena Schnider

Lena Schnider

  • Recruiting Specialist
Kara Siejakowski

Kara Siejakowski

  • Operations Coordinator II
Shakethia Shaw

Shakethia Shaw

  • Accountant I
Shelly Stoddard

Shelly Stoddard

  • Human Resources Supervisor - Onboarding
Kimberly Thompson

Kimberly Thompson

  • Human Resources Assistant II
Leslie Washington

Leslie Washington

  • Benefits Administrator I
Kellie Watkins

Kellie Watkins

  • HRIS Administrator
Brittany White

Brittany White

  • Learning and Development Lead
Lynn Wilkins

Lynn Wilkins

  • Work-Life Resources Program Manager
Lynn Wilkins

Lynn Wilkins

  • Work-Life Resources Program Manager

Recent Policy Updates

We make policy updates to stay aligned with best practices, keep up with new laws and regulations and continuously improve how we support you. Our goal is to ensure our policies evolve to meet your needs and enhance our workplace.
For a full listing of University policies, visit the Policy Directory.

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.

View the Reduction in Force of Staff Personnel policy.

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."

Learn more about the policy.

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.

Read the full policy.

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.

View the full policy.

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.

View the full policy.

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.

HR Service Center Image With TextThe 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.

Provost Division

Comfort Agyin-Birikorang

662-915-5445

comfort@olemiss.edu

Schedule an Appointment

VCAF Division (includes facilities management)

Rocklyn Reed

662-915-1585

rjreed@olemiss.edu

Schedule an Appointment