Rockhurst Appoints Human Resources Director

Barbra Upton-Garvin joins Rockhurst University July 5 as director of human resources.

Upton-Garvin comes to Rockhurst with more than 25 years of human resources management experience drawn from the nonprofit, government and business sectors. Most recently she served as vice president for human resources at Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City where she was a member of the executive leadership team and oversaw all human relations functions, including recruitment, compensation, benefits, performance management and staff development and training for more than 100 employees.

Prior to joining Boys and Girls Clubs she was human resources director for the Johnson County Parks and Recreation District leading HR efforts for an organization with more than 300 employees.

“Barbra’s breadth and depth of experience will serve the University well,” said Gerald Moench, chief financial officer. “Human resources leadership in today’s higher education landscape requires a well-rounded skill set to effectively navigate the variety of roles and responsibilities required in our changing environment.”

At Rockhurst, Upton-Garvin will direct human relations functions for a University community comprising more than 500 full- and part-time faculty, staff and student workers.

She graduated from Park University with a Bachelor of Science in human resources management and from Baker University with a Master of Business Administration.