“I think you have to have a passion for people, being able to help people thrive in what they do,” Meyer said of HR.
By Kari Lucin | Community Editor with the Globe of Worthington
WORTHINGTON — With more than 20 years of experience in human resources, Katie Meyer knows her work is all about people — and that won’t change now that she’s the new vice president of human resources at Minnesota West Community and Technical College.
“It’s definitely people oriented. Every position is people-oriented,” Meyer said. “That’s what I’ve noticed on my tours and everything. People were just excited to talk with each other, not being afraid to get to know each other, and helping each other out.”
Meyer, who previously served as human resources manager at New Vision in Brewster since 2011, will begin her new duties at Minnesota West on June 20, after a brief summer break with family.
She will primarily work on the Worthington campus, though her position is college-wide and she will work with all Minnesota West employees. Given that she oversaw multiple locations in her time with New Vision, Meyer was undaunted by Minnesota West’s multiple campuses.
“I’ve always thought a lot of Minnesota West since I moved to Worthington, and it just seems to be everywhere. So many people in our community and area, not just Worthington, go to school at Minnesota West, whether it be classes at college or a step toward their bachelor’s,” she said. “It has a big impact in our whole community. I was just excited to be involved with that.”
Dr. Terry Gaalswyk, president of Minnesota West, said Meyer’s experience ensures the college’s HR policy and provisions remain centered on serving the more than 350 members of the faculty, staff and administration who, in turn, serve the students and each other.
“As an executive leader of the college, Katie’s proven experience in recruiting and retaining highly qualified individuals will assure the college remains competitive and also helps us remain focused on doing what is best for our students,” Gaalswyk added.
Meyer will replace Karen Miller, who is retiring after 28 years of “centering human” on all HR interactions, he said.
Meyer, who has a master’s degree in human resource management from Wilmington University in Georgetown, Delaware, has also served as human resource director for Murray County, and holds multiple certifications in human resources. Her previous work includes talent acquisition, employee retention and development and training.
“I think you have to have a passion for people, being able to help people thrive in what they do,” Meyer said of HR. “I know a lot of it is following policies and procedures and creating them, but ultimately, it’s about making sure everybody is treated fairly. And usually, that’s the easy part of the job, I guess. The hard part of the job is the surprises you get when working with people.”
People’s unpredictability is also what makes the job challenging and exciting, though, she said.
Much of her position involves talking to supervisors, coaching them through conversations or just making sure the right people get the information they need.
“People, I do feel, are much more open, and maybe accepting of others. That’s good to see,” she said.
In the past 20 years, people have become much more open about diversity in the workplace, not just diversity of origin and background but also in age groups and genders, Meyer said.
“Minnesota West is delighted to welcome Katie Meyer to our college community as Vice President of Human Resources,” Gaalswyk said.
“I’m just really excited about the opportunity, and can’t wait to learn more about the role and the people at Minnesota West,” Meyer added.