Dear Colleagues,
I write to share that Mary Harper Hagan, our vice president for human resources, will step down from her position at the end of February.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many people to reevaluate priorities. For Mary, being close to her family in the northeast has emerged at the top of that list. Through our conversations, I know how difficult this decision was for her and how much she has enjoyed being part of the U family.
Mary first joined the University in April of 2018. During her nearly four years with us, she led an extraordinary HR team through the most challenging time in workplace history, converting employee operations to a virtual setting. In response to the pandemic, Mary and the HR team introduced a series of compassionate policies, programs, and resources, including virtual wellness sessions attended by more than 15,000 participants.
Throughout her time at the University, Mary has been a strong advocate of professional development; career mobility; and diversity, equity, and inclusion. She helped launch several new leadership training programs addressing all stages of the career cycle. Over the past 20 months, more than 21,000 participants have engaged in hundreds of development experiences, with a 98 percent favorability rating. Mary spearheaded the implementation of key strategic initiatives to incorporate diversity and inclusion into all aspects of our HR practices. She also serves as a member of the University’s Standing Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
During her tenure, the University was named to Forbes’ Best Employers in Florida list and earned recognition on Indeed’s Most Inclusive Companies Hiring Now list.
We will conduct a national search for Mary’s replacement. Associate Vice President Karen Stimmell, who has been with the University for more than 18 years, will lead our human resources team during the transition period.
Please join me in thanking Mary for her many contributions to our University community, and Karen for her willingness to lead our HR team during the transition.
Sincerely, | 
