EIU Media Relations

New HR Director Seeks to Make EIU 'Employer of Choice'

Eastern Illinois University’s newly hired Human Resources director operates via a “rallying motto.”

"I want EIU to be an employer of choice,” said Richard Enyard.

He acknowledges that with such designation comes much responsibility:  Competitive wages and benefits, exemplary customer service, fair and equal treatment, professional growth opportunities and challenges, excellent cooperation between colleagues, a diverse work environment, and the consistent application of all policies and procedures.

“I’m an idealistic person,” Enyard continued.  “If I firmly believe in something, I’ll try to make it happen.  I believe we can always look for ways to improve.”

As HR director, Enyard manages the Benefits Services, Classification/Compensations, Employment/Examinations, Training and Development, and Workers’ Compensation offices of Human Resources.  He also serves as the university’s Americans with Disabilities Act coordinator.

With more than 1,900 full- and part-time employees, not including student employees, Eastern is the largest employer in Coles County.

This won’t be Enyard’s first venture as director of human resources for a state agency.  In addition to his most recent position, serving Stephens College in Columbia, Mo., he served nearly 10 years (1998-2007) as HR director for the Missouri Department of Corrections, which employed 12,000 people.  Although that job was based in Jefferson City, Enyard traveled the state, visiting approximately 20 different prisons, 100 parole offices and two release centers on a regular basis.

In addition to his success in increasing the retention rate of employees in that department (especially given that the state of Missouri invested so much money into the training of its corrections staff, only to see them leave for other jobs), Enyard is most proud of his work in resolving grievances, enhancing diversity recruitment efforts and establishing effective working relationships.

Enyard also lists the establishment of a “meaningful” employee recognition program at Stephens College in his credits, as well as cost reduction initiatives.

William Weber, EIU’s vice president for business affairs, welcomed Enyard, saying he appreciated the skill set that the new director brings to Eastern.

“I’m pleased that Dr. Enyard has joined us, and I expect that his skills in reviewing and improving business processes will certainly be of value to us,” Weber said.  “His experience in compensation analysis will also be of benefit to the EIU community.”

In addition to his work with Stephens College and the Missouri Department of Corrections, Enyard has owned and operated his own human resources consulting firm.  He previously served as coordinator of employee relations at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, and as assistant to the vice president for minority affairs and faculty development at the University of Missouri (Columbia), his alma mater.

He received his bachelor’s degree in educational studies counseling services, his master’s degree in education counseling and personnel services, and a doctorate in higher and adult education/foundation administration.

Enyard indicated that he is happy to be on the EIU campus and looks forward to meeting and working with the university community.