Nashville, TN (TN Tribune) – Cleo D. Rucker, who has worked for the past decade to build a strong workplace culture, support staff growth, and meet organizational goals at Vanderbilt University, has been promoted to the new position of Chief Human Resources Officer promoted.
“Vanderbilt University is committed to recruiting and retaining the best people possible, and creating this dedicated position is an important step in the process,” said Chancellor Daniel Diermeier. “Cleo Rucker has driven important cultural and operational improvements in HR while working with executives to achieve the university’s critical business goals. I look forward to the future of man
Resources under its transformation leadership. “
Rucker, who has been Senior Director for HR Consulting, Employee and Labor Relations for the past three years, will take up his new position by mid-May. The move comes as Laura Nairon steps down from her tentative role as Assistant Vice Chancellor for People and Business Services. She is leaving Vanderbilt to pursue the next phase of her career.
“Since joining Vanderbilt in 2011, Cleo has been an excellent resource in developing and maintaining a positive and rewarding work experience for our employees,” said Eric Kopstain, Vice Chancellor of Administration. “He identified opportunities for growth and process improvement to drive relevant and meaningful change. I am grateful for his cooperation and guidance in the days to come. We would also like to acknowledge and thank Laura Nairon for her transitional service. ”
Among Rucker’s achievements:
- Leading the university to a proactive, customer-oriented personnel organization.
- Launch of several training programs that increase the potential leadership of employees within the departments.
- as a negotiator or vice chairman in contract negotiations.
- Implemented the University’s Family and Medical Leave Act process following its legal separation from Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
- Advocate for the mainstreaming of diversity and inclusion into all aspects of the university’s human resources and the larger campus.
“Cleo has led by example to create a culture of respect and innovation on campus,” said Dr. André L. Churchwell, Vice Chancellor for Justice, Diversity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer. “His strong support during the university’s series of listening sessions on racial justice is just one example of his active commitment to an inclusive community. I am proud to be a partner in our efforts to improve our One Vanderbilt community. ”
Rucker holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. He then enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he completed his law degree. He also has a Masters of Religion from Trevecca University.
Prior to joining Vanderbilt, he was an attorney at the Milwaukee Public Schools Labor Relations Department.
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