Barbara A. Abercrombie Named VP For Human Resources And Organizational Effectiveness

Barbara A. Abercrombie, who currently serves as Associate Vice Chancellor for Administration and Chief Human Resources Officer at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, has been named Vice President for Human Resources and Organizational Effectiveness at Texas A&M University by President Michael K. Young. The appointment, effective August 1, follows action by The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents on Thursday (May 26) to grant the president authority to appoint the Vice President for Human Resources and Organizational Effectiveness.

Abercrombie was selected following a nationwide search conducted by a broad-based university advisory committee. The new position was created by President Young last year and marks the first time in the university’s history that human resources will benefit from the elevated leadership of a vice president who reports directly to the president.

“I am truly delighted that Dr. Abercrombie is joining Texas A&M University as the first-ever Vice President of Human Resources and Organizational Effectiveness, a tremendously important position for fulfilling our vision of an even more supportive and engaging workplace for our thousands of invaluable employees,” Young said. “Our goal is to build and maintain an environment that empowers each and every employee through cutting-edge work-life programs, and we have the utmost confidence that Dr. Abercrombie brings the expertise and enthusiasm necessary to achieve this.”

During her distinguished career in human resource administration, Abercrombie has also served as Director of Human Resources at the University of Oklahoma at Tulsa and Director and Affirmative Action Officer in Human Resources at Northeastern State University. She earned two advanced degrees—a master’s degree in human relations from the University of Oklahoma and a doctoral degree in workforce education and human resource development from Oklahoma State University—and Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification. SPHR certification demonstrates mastery of strategic and policy-making aspects of human resource management with an emphasis on the “big picture,” according to the HR Certification Institute. Furthermore, Abercrombie is an expert in the collaborative leadership model.

“The fact that President Young created an advanced administrative position in human resources that reports directly to him reflects the immense value he places on his employees,” Abercrombie said.

“I am honored to join one of the best universities in the nation with an obvious commitment to providing a positive and flexible workplace for its employees, and I look forward to working closely with the leadership team to create work-life initiatives that other institutions of higher education will emulate.”

Janelle Ramirez has served as Interim Vice President for Human Resources and Organizational Effectiveness since the position was created.

“We are truly thankful for the excellent stewardship provided by Ms. Ramirez during this time of transition in human resources,” Young said. “Her input and perspective will be extremely valuable in helping Dr. Abercrombie settle into her new role.”