Sam Connally, chief executive officer of HigherEdDecisions, LLC, will join UofL effective Feb. 8. The company uses a proprietary software program to help colleges and universities conduct searches for administrative posts.
Connally has firsthand experience in higher education human resources administration dating to 1980.
He has had progressive leadership roles as business systems analyst at North Carolina State University, chief HR officer for the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and chief HR officer for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Sam brings with him an impressive record of administrative experience in human resources, said Provost Shirley Willihnganz. We look forward to having him on our team.
Connally has been an active member of the College & University Professional Association for Human Resources for 20 years and has been recognized with two regional and two national awards in the past five years, including the National Sungard (SCT) Award for Innovation in HR Technology in 2004 and the National Award for Best Practices in HR Administration in 2006. He holds a master of business administration degree from Duke University.
UofL attracted Connally, he said, because of its commitment to excellence as outlined in its 2020 Plan; the leadership of President James Ramsey and Willihnganz; and the strength of its current HR department.
What is particularly attractive about the VPHR role is Provost Willihnganz’ vision to foster an HR department that is more closely aligned with the academic and research mission of the institution, he said. This is an area in which I believe I have particular abilities, and I am looking forward to building collaborative relationships focused on the needs of campus constituents, together with HR colleagues.
Kim Maffet, who has served as acting vice president since January 2009, will remain with UofL as a special assistant to the president and provost.
Maffet has done a remarkable job in a very limited amount of time, said President James Ramsey. We are pleased that she will remain with the university in her new capacity.