By Michael Fissinger

Fordham has appointed Kay Turner to its newest administrative position, Vice President of Human Resources, according to a university statement sent to the Fordham community on Aug. 31. She begins her job Sept. 18.

The university created the position to advance its relationship with its employees, according to Fordham’s statement.

“This is a newly created position, designed to reflect the renewed importance of human services to the University, and Fordham’s commitment to continuous improvement,” said the email.

Turner will also work with the new chief diversity officer and the assistant vice president for student affairs for diversity and inclusion. The University’s position of chief diversity officer has yet to be filled.
“Since diversity is a University-wide priority, Turner, as vice president for human resources, will work with the chief diversity officer and the assistant vice president for student affairs for diversity and inclusion, as a diversity leadership team with which Father McShane and the cabinet will regularly consult,” said the email.

Fordham’s Human Resource department failed to comment in time for this article.

The Human Resources Department handles much of the University’s interactions with employees, including, but not limited to, recruitment, benefits, and information systems, according to the HR Department website.

“I am delighted that we were able to attract someone of Kay Turner’s broad experience and deep talent to oversee Fordham’s human resources area,” said Joseph M. McShane, S.J., president of the university in Fordham’s statement.

Turner possesses vast experience in the field of Human Relations. Most recently, she worked as VP for Human Relations at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), widely reforming the HR department during her tenure. Prior to her four year stint at NJIT, she served as both VP for Human Resources at the Jewish Child Care Association and director of employee relations at the Hackensack University Medical Center, according to Fordham’s statement.

Turner has a bachelor’s degree from the City University of New York and a law degree from St. John’s University.