Gillings School welcomes new assistant dean for human resources
May 27, 2021
Gretchen Marie Senez
Leaders at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Gillings School of Global Public Health are pleased to announce that Gretchen Marie Senez, MS, will take on the role of assistant dean for human resources beginning June 1.
Senez brings with her more than twenty years of multi-faceted, senior level human resources experience in both community-based organizations and higher education. She is dedicated to fostering diverse, enriching and accountable workplaces. Her subject matter expertise includes cultural engagement, strategic operations and workforce development.
Prior to taking this role, she worked with the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Medicine human resources team for five years, in both classification and compensation and as a human resources lead. She also spent fifteen years as an executive director and deputy CEO for two community-based organizations, and she earned a Master of Science degree in industrial psychology from the State University of New York at Albany.
“I approach complex and unique situations with innovative thinking,” Senez says. “I’m always in pursuit of quality solutions. I believe that to be successful, we must be deliberate, aware and willing to challenge ourselves to ensure that we foster an appreciation for what we all gain when we are part of a diverse workplace.”
Senez has developed and managed various human resources strategic plans with an appreciation for human resources metrics, standards of accountability, best practices and continuous quality improvement.
“What struck me the most about Gretchen was her servant leadership and entrepreneurial qualities,” says Taya Jackson Scott, EdD, vice dean at the Gillings School. “Being a human resources leader is tough and the pandemic has certainly highlighted many injustices that compromise mental wellness and equity. Gretchen pairs humanity, flexibility and equity with innovation by building stronger teams who deliver quality customer relations. We are excited she said yes, and I look forward to her collaborative style of leadership and contributions to the Gillings School.”
Contact the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health communications team at sphcomm@unc.edu.
