KINGSTON, R.I. — Aug. 29, 2024 — The University of Rhode Island has named Becky Hill, an experienced and innovative higher education leader, as its inaugural vice president for human resources. Hill, who currently serves as associate vice president for human resources at Cornell University, was appointed following a competitive national search. She will begin her role at URI on Oct. 28.
“We are excited to welcome Becky as URI’s first human resources vice president,” said President Marc Parlange. “This new position reflects an increased, strategic, and vital investment in human resources at URI and in the services and resources the HR division provides to our University community. That investment is guided by our strategic plan, Focus URI, which calls on us to attract, recognize, and retain outstanding faculty and staff, and to invest in and implement administrative and financial practices that position the University for long-term success.”
In this new role, Hill will develop and direct a strategic vision for human resources at the University, including HR structure, practices, culture, and programming. She will report to the University president and will serve as a member of the University’s leadership team.
“People are the future of URI,” said Hill. “They will fuel the next wave of research and innovation, contribute to unprecedented scholarship, and propel the University toward further distinction. I am elated to join the team at URI and look forward to enhancing the strategic impact of this incredible community, together.”
At Cornell, Hill served as the deputy to the vice president and chief human resources officer, providing strategic leadership and direction while overseeing HR information systems and technology, benefits services strategy and administration, staff and labor relations, workforce planning and compensation, HR policy and compliance, and finance and administration. She also played a central role in leading cultural transformation within Cornell’s HR community.
During her eight-year tenure at Cornell, Hill served in several positions of increasing responsibility and leadership, including as director of human resources for eCornell, the Ivy League institution’s online learning platform. Partnering closely with the vice provost and executive team, she helped profitably scale the enterprise and proactively consulted on organizational goals and HR strategy. She also served as interim senior director of program delivery for eCornell, where she was responsible for the delivery of Cornell academic microcredentials to more than 110,000 students annually.
She also was assistant director of human resources and HR business partner for Cornell’s facilities and campus services division. Prior to Cornell, she served as a global personnel specialist and outreach coordinator with IMB.
Hill possesses an impressive record of community service, serving on the boards of directors of both the SUNY Cortland Child Care Center and Hospicare and Palliative Care; as a member of the Society for Human Resource Management national organization and Tompkins County chapter; and as the volunteer coordinator for Ithaca Welcomes Refugees. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Syracuse University, an executive master’s degree in human resources management from Cornell, and an eCornell certificate in human resources.
“Nothing is more central to URI’s success than our people,” Parlange said. “I look forward to working with Becky in this important role and to advancing our shared priority of cultivating a culture of valuing people, excellence, and giving back.”