Change in Human Resources

To: Knoxville-area UT Faculty and Staff
From: Chancellor Jimmy G. Cheek
Subject: Change in Human Resources

Alan Chesney, the executive director for the UT Knoxville HR office, will be retiring from the university at end of the year. This executive level position is being eliminated. The position elimination is not part of the statewide HR redesign, but a cost reduction measure for UT Knoxville.

Alan has dedicated nearly 13 years of service to the University of Tennessee and has made valuable contributions to this university. He will retire on December 31. Alan is remaining through the end of the year to help make the transition to the Regional Service Center model. I want to thank Alan for his contributions and his service.

Linda Hendricks, UT's chief human resources officer, along with the leadership team for the HR east regional service center, will assume HR leadership responsibilities for UT Knoxville. Hendricks also will continue her statewide role. Linda is a UT Knoxville graduate and began her career with 14 years of service on this campus, and I am certain that she will serve our needs well during this time of change and transition.

As we move closer to the Jan. 4, 2010, launch date for the start-up of the regional service centers, I will share more details about how the changes will impact you. The shared-services model, a best practice structure for many universities, will enhance efficiency and serve employees from Regional Service Centers in Knoxville and Memphis.

Please let me know if you have questions about this change or the overall HR redesign. E-mail your question to chancellor@utk.edu.

Thank you for all you do for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Posted September 22, 2009