Melissa Riffle views human resources as a key component in building a cohesive organizational culture.
“I find the human resources profession rewarding due to the opportunities it affords us to connect with people,” said Riffle. “Our ability to provide support through customer service and outreach is key to creating a positive work environment and building a good relationship with employees.”
Riffle joined Arkansas Tech University on Tuesday, July 5, as its new director of human resources.
A native of Ohio, Riffle earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology and criminal justice from Baldwin-Wallace University in 2000. She went on to receive a Juris Doctor with a concentration in employment law from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in 2003.
Riffle’s career has included work in the behavioral and mental health community, legal affairs and human resources. After graduation, she worked as a therapist in a Crisis Center with Six County Inc.
“That experience allowed me to build a strong skill set in people and employee relations and strengthened my emotional intelligence,” said Riffle.
During her time as a therapist, Riffle was also employed by Zane State University (Ohio) as an adjunct professor for constitutional law in the criminal justice program.
In 2007, Riffle moved to Arkansas and began to develop her career in human resources. She has worked for organizations such as Lavender and Wyatt Systems, Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality and Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
Riffle’s experience in human resource management includes benefits management, policy writing and implementation, federal and state regulatory compliance and legislative process and management.
“At each step in my career, I have had the opportunity to learn more about the human resources field and expand my skill sets,” said Riffle. “I believe it is important to continuously learn new techniques and look to improve processes. Challenges are welcome and worthwhile.”
Learn more about the ATU Office of Human Resources at www.atu.edu/hr.
