May 12, 2008

Janice A. Parten, who has 20 years of experience in human resources, equal opportunity affairs and labor relations, has been named director of the Office of Human Resources at California State University, Fresno.

Parten has management experience in both private- and public-sector human resource offices. Since 2003, she has been human resource services director at the University of Alaska Anchorage, which employs more than 2,800 faculty and staff members. She also held that position from 1995-98.

She will begin work at Fresno State on Nov. 13.  She will provide senior leadership and line management for the university’s managerial and administrative human resources operations.  The director has broad responsibilities for human resource policy development, administration, interpretation and implementation. She will oversee the administration of employee relations, labor relations, benefits management, recruitment, compensation, performance management, training and development and the employee assistance programs.

Cynthia Matson, Fresno State’s vice president for Administration and Chief Financial Officer said, “I’m excited about the innovative ideas and breadth of HR experiences that Janice brings to Fresno. She will provide leadership to our strategic planning initiatives that further develop the university community.” 

Parten holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a master of business administration degree with emphasis in personnel and industrial relations, both from the University of North Texas.

In addition to her University of Alaska experience, Parten has been vice president of AMEC Earth & Environmental in Seattle, human resources manager-corporate units for ARCO in Los Angeles and a district employee relations director for ARCO Oil & Gas Co. in Midland, Texas.

She serves on the board of Alaska Women’s Health Services Inc. and on the program committee for the 2007 annual conference of the Western Association of College and University Business Officers.

Parten succeeds Dr. Jeannine Raymond, who accepted a position at the University of California, Berkeley.