Strong turnout for search committee workshop
Chris Lee of SearchCommittees.com led a daylong workshop at Mississippi State late last month. PHOTO: Beth Wynn | Public Affairs
Search committees are an integral part of the hiring process at Mississippi State, and the university’s Human Resources Management team is doing its part to enhance their success.
Late last month, HRM hosted a daylong workshop for academic and non-academic administrators, faculty and staff who have served or plan to serve on a search committee featuring noted HR practitioner Chris Lee of SearchCommittees.com.
“We had more than 80 participants even though the university had been closed for two days prior because of inclement winter weather,” said Darrell Easley, HRM’s learning and development manager who organized the session.
According to Lee, who has served as the chief human resources officer for three different colleges or universities and a state college system, successful searches save time, effort and money.
A recent SearchCommittees.com blog post notes: “The search committee is riddled with complex bureaucratic procedures and nuances and ethical and legal considerations. And the extra workload on top of regular commitments can be overwhelming for those involved.”
Specialized training for committee members can be a critical factor in making the best hire, Easley said.
Lee’s areas of expertise are employment, training and performance management -- or, in his words, “finding, developing, and managing talent in organizations” -- that he shared with his audience in Colvard Student Union’s Fowlkes Auditorium. Participants also received a copy of Lee’s latest publication, “Search Committees: A Comprehensive Guide to Successful Faculty, Staff and Administrative Searches.”
“We were pleased with the participation in this workshop, and plan on providing additional opportunities like it in the future,” said MSU Chief Human Resources Officer Judy Spencer.
“I encourage anyone on campus with a question or idea about human resources-related professional development to contact our office,” she said.
For additional information about HRM’s learning and development initiatives, please visit www.hrm.msstate.edu/development or contact Easley at dre13@msstate.edu or 662-325-3713.
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Jim Laird | Public Affairs
