Eastern Michigan University announced Tuesday the hiring of David Turner as the vice president of human resources, a newly created position. Turner, an EMU alumnus, will take over the position on Jan. 20 for $175,000 a year.
According to an EMU press release, Turner has worked in HR positions at Oak Park Public Schools, Detroit Public Schools and for MGM Grand’s Detroit Casino.
Leigh Greden, vice president of government and community relations for EMU, served as chair for the search committee that selected Turner.
“Based on the thorough search process, David was the first choice of the search committee and President Martin,” Greden said.
According to Greden, EMU received 80 applications for the position, which was open for four weeks. Candidates for the position were interviewed after the four-week application window.
“The position was created to further enhance customer service for the entire Eastern community,” Greden said. “David will likely develop an action plan to pursue specific goals, but our primary goal is to take human resource service to an even higher level of customer service.”
Greden also said that Turner will review proposals to consolidate HR functions and to make HR more responsive.
Many students working at the desks in the library, cleaning in the Student Center and the eateries have never had direct interactions with HR at EMU.
Toni Deas is a library assistant working at Halle Library. She supervises students working at the circulation desk.
According to Deas, Tara Fulton, the dean of the library, and Susan DeVries, the department head of the library, currently have the most interactions with HR.
“I look forward to meeting and working with [Turner],” Deas said.
Student Body President Desmond Miller said that Student Government has had a great relationship with HR. He and other members of Student Government have sought advice from HR regarding personnel questions.
“I am confident David Turner is the best person for the job,” Miller said.
