Human Resources Adds Two Directors to Attract, Retain and Engage U of A Workforce

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Ashley Ingram and Melinda Allen

The U of A Human Resources office has recently added Ashley Ingram and Melinda Allen to its leadership team to help focus on the division’s mission of “building a productive campus community where all can thrive.”

Both director roles are designed to help attract, retain and engage the campus workforce. Ingram will oversee talent development, and Allen will oversee total rewards. Both have started in the new roles as part of the senior leadership team in HR, reporting directly to Debbie McLoud, associate vice chancellor for Human Resources. 

Ingram was previously part of the Global Campus team and will create and manage a comprehensive learning and talent development program for all university staff. She has over eight years of experience in training and development and brings a wealth of expertise from her roles in both corporate and higher education environments and from volunteering for the Association for Talent Development (ATD) in a leadership capacity.  She is a Certified Professional of Talent Development (CPTD) and received the ATD’s national “One to Watch” award.

“Ashley is a consummate professional in talent development. We are extremely excited to have her on the HR team,” McLoud said. “We can’t wait to see the results of her efforts to apply best practices in workforce training and development to support the professional success and growth of our employees.”  

Ingram earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology concentrating in human resources from Mansfield University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Education in Training and Development from Pennsylvania State University. 

Allen brings vast experience in compensation, benefits, employment compliance and human resources management and will direct the administration of total compensation including salary programs and employee benefits. She earned a bachelor’s degree in human resources management/personnel administration from the U of A and has over 30 years of corporate experience. She is also certified as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR).  

“The knowledge and skills that Melinda brings to our HR team will be valuable to our employees, especially in our campaign to establish the university as an Employer of Choice," McLoud said. “Melinda is dedicated to assisting our current staff, attracting our future staff and supporting the growth of our university workforce. Her expertise will also contribute to the success of the planned classification and compensation study project. We are fortunate to have her as part of the HR leadership team.”

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $2.2 billion to Arkansas’ economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the top 3% of U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research News.