Speaker

Michele Burns is a human resource practitioner and educator specializing in the areas of compensation, benefits, and workforce development.  She is employed as the Director of Classification and Compensation at the University of Arkansas where she is responsible for providing strategic oversight of classification, position management, job analysis, job documentation, and job evaluation and compensation processes as well as serving as liaison with state agencies such as the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE).

Michele is currently ending her course work phase for her Ed. D. in Human Resource and Workforce Development at the University of Arkansas.  Additionally, she is completing a graduate certificate in Educational Statistics and Research Methods, an area that she finds specifically suited for the statistical side of human resources like job analysis, job evaluation, and compensation management.  In addition to holding the generalist certifications of SHRM-SCP and SPHR, she holds various specialist certifications such as CCP (Certified Compensation Professional), CBP (Certified Benefits Professional), and GRP (Global Remuneration Professional).

During her human resources career, which has spanned over twenty years, she has worked both as an HR generalist and as a Compensation and Benefits Specialist in manufacturing, food processing, financial, healthcare, and higher education sectors.  Additionally, she has taught as an adjunct professor at John Brown University, Webster University, and the University of Arkansas.  She has taught courses such as Freshman Success; Human Resources Management; Legal Issues in HR; Introduction to Research, Introduction to Organizational Management, Principles of Management and Leadership, Organizational Communications; Integrative Strategies in Marketing and Written Communications.

Michele recently completed a three-year term as the State Council Director for the Arkansas SHRM State Council. She is passionate about the field of Human Resources and has been actively involved in the field of Human Resources both as an HR professional and as a volunteer.  Michele has served in various positions including MAC Representative alternate for the Southwest Central Region, ARSHRM Arkansas State Council Director Elect, State Council Chapter Advocate Director, Certification Chair, WAHRA (Western Arkansas Human Resource Association) President, President-Elect, Treasurer, and Certification Chair.