Spencer praised by statewide organization
Judy Spencer
Mississippi State’s chief human resources officer is being honored by Women in Higher Education-Mississippi Network with its 2017 Leadership Award.
Judith A. “Judy” Spencer formally accepted the major recognition at the organization’s recent convention at Jackson State University.
Established in 2003, WHEMN works to promote and support women in higher education leadership through programs in career development and mentoring.
Following a successful career in the private sector, Spencer joined the university’s human resources management department as associate director in 2004. She was promoted to director seven years later following the retirement of Ann Bell.
From its office in McArthur Hall, HRM is responsible for overseeing the 139-year-old land-grant institution’s human capital, employment, benefits, compensation, performance and learning programs.
By virtue of her position, Spencer is a member of the Executive Council that advises MSU President Mark E. Keenum.
In his letter of recommendation for the award, Keenum noted that she “has encouraged the advancement of women” throughout her career and has been “a leader in the university’s efforts to attract more women to our faculty and staff.”
He additionally praised her as “a champion for women at Mississippi State, in our community and in the State of Mississippi” and “one who always is the first to give credit to others.”
Spencer holds a bachelor’s degree from Faulkner University in Montgomery, Alabama, and an MBA from the University of North Alabama in Florence. A detailed biography is found at http://www.web.ur.msstate.edu/web/temp/newsfiles/BIO Judy Spencer for Web.pdf.
MSU is Mississippi’s leading university, available online at www.msstate.edu.
Sammy McDavid | Public Affairs
