Letter from Chancellor Robinson - Worthey Joins WSSU as CHRO

Ram Family, 

After an extensive search process, we are pleased to announce that we have selected Tracy Worthey to join us as our Chief Human Resources Officer. With more than 20 years of UNC System experience, she brings the breadth of knowledge we need to assist us in accomplishing our primary objectives of prioritizing our vacancy rate, improving our campus work environment, and streamlining internal processes.

We could not have gotten here without the tremendous support of Dr. Kenneth Tagawa, who led the university for the past year in the interim role. Dr. Tagawa’s leadership has been paramount in holding together one of our university’s most critical functions.

Additionally, I’d like to thank all the members of our Human Resources Department. They have held strong during a challenging transitional process. They’ve shown up each day with a willingness and drive to improve the university, and we are appreciative for your service. 

MORE ABOUT TRACY WORTHEY 

Tracy joins us from UNC Charlotte, where she most recently served as the Director of Talent Acquisition. Her higher education experience started with her working in the University Career Center, assisting students with finding internships and cooperative education opportunities. She then moved to the human resources department, where she held numerous positions from student employment, compensation and performance management, staff recruitment, and then to her most recent role.  

Over her tenure, she has helped to implement several systems, such as PeopleAdmin, InfoMart, and Verifent. She has been a key player in several initiatives covering bi-weekly payroll for student and temporary employees, automation of on-boarding and off-boarding paperwork, and redesigning the Banner electronic personnel action form.

Tracy has also been part of the UNC System Office selection committees for criminal background and I-9 vendors. Tracy holds several certifications, including Senior Professional in Human Resources, SHRM-Senior Certified Professional, Targeted Selection Trainer, Strategic HR Business Partner, Workforce Planning, and HR People Analytics.  

She graduated from Johnson C. Smith University with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a master’s in public administration from UNC Pembroke. She is currently enrolled in the doctorate in Business Administration program at UNC Charlotte. 

Please join me in a Ram family welcome for Tracy! She will begin on August 1.

Elwood L. Robinson, Ph.D.