17 Jan 2021 UCA names new leader of HR and Risk Management

The University of Central Arkansas hired a new associate vice president this month.

Britni Elder will oversee operations of the Department of Human Resources (HR) and Risk Management, along with more than a dozen staff members who focus on recruitment, employment, insurance and benefits, employee relations, classification, compensation and personnel information systems. She will report to Chief of Staff Amy Whitehead. 

“I am excited and honored to become a UCA Bear and to lead the HR and Risk Management team,” Elder said. “In HR, we encourage and take care of our employees from the time they step foot on campus to the time they embark on their next adventure. Doing our jobs well helps our employees and their families thrive and ensures that our students discover and reach their full potential. Now, more than ever, we have an opportunity to encourage and take care of the people around us.”

Prior to coming to UCA, Elder served as director of HR at the University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College. In this role, she oversaw all aspects of human resources and was the COVID-19 point of contact for all employees. She supported shared governance as a member of the Chancellor’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Taskforce; as a member of the College Council; and as Chair of the Valuing Stakeholder’s Committee.                          

Elder also previously served as director of HR at Central Baptist College (CBC); associate director of HR and manager of accounts payable for New Life Church of Arkansas and Little Life Academy; and as a financial aid representative at the University of Phoenix. 

She is the current president of the Arkansas Chapter of the College and University Professional Association for HR (CUPA-HR), and is a board member at-large for CUPA-HR Southern Region. Additionally, Elder has served as an adjunct instructor for the past three years at CBC, teaching courses related to personal finance, human resources and principles of college success. 

“Britni brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to UCA, and I am certain she will be a great asset to the HR team and the campus community,” said Whitehead. “We are pleased to welcome her to the UCA family.” Elder earned her bachelor’s in speech communication with a minor in general business and marketing from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. She also holds a Master of Business Administration from University of Phoenix and has earned the designation of HR Certified Professional through the Society for HR Management.