CLA announces new senior human resources manager
The College of Liberal Arts is excited to announce that Latoria Akins-Jackson has been named senior human resources manager. Akins-Jackson joins CLA from within Auburn University, where she has served as an HR business partner for two colleges and a major division. With nearly 20 years of experience in human resources, she brings deep expertise in strategic talent management, employee relations and leadership development.
“My work has always been rooted in genuine connection. When we take the time to truly see people — their strengths, their stories, their aspirations — we create space for trust, collaboration and growth,” said Akins-Jackson. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to build those relationships within the College of Liberal Arts and to support a community where everyone feels valued, empowered, and united in a shared vision of excellence.”
An innovative, creative and customer-centric HR leader, Akins-Jackson is known for building strong, collaborative partnerships and developing practical solutions that support both employees and organizational goals. She has the unique distinction of being one of the first two HR business partners at Auburn University. In this role, she has served as a strategic thought partner to campus leaders, collaborated on university-wide HR initiatives, strengthened partnerships with HR liaisons, and ensured compliance with HR and university policies and procedures.
Akins-Jackson describes her professional philosophy as people-centric. Her focus will be on aligning HR initiatives with the college’s academic and operational mission. By ensuring a strong onboarding experience and fostering operational excellence, she will play a key role in advancing CLA’s vision of remaining a college unified in excellence.
“We are thrilled to welcome Latoria to the College of Liberal Arts,” said Dean Jason Hicks. “She understands the importance of strong partnerships and thoughtful leadership, and her experience will be invaluable as we work together to support a unified, high-performing college.”
Akins-Jackson will work closely with college leadership, faculty and staff on all aspects of human resources to help cultivate a world-class environment for thinkers, creators and innovators.
She holds a Master of Science in organizational leadership with a concentration in Human Resources from Columbus State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Iowa.
Tags: Faculty
Related Articles
-
The Conversation: US health care is rife with high costs and deep inequities, and that’s no accident – a public health historian explains how the system was shaped to serve profit and politicians
Senior Lecturer of History Zachary Schulz discusses how historical policy choices continue to shape the systems we rely on today for The Conversation. -
Faculty Spotlight: Duha T. Altindag, Department of Economics
Altindag, an associate professor, studies labor economics and the motivation of politicians. -
'Things You Didn't Know You Didn't Know' about Christmas
In this yuletide adventure, host Brandon Etheredge and Associate Professor of History Christopher Ferguson unwrap the layers of Christmas traditions. -
Buchanan publishes first book on people of Common Field
“Life in a Mississippian Warscape: Common Field, Cahokia and the Effects of Warfare" explores the microscale of daily lives of people living at Common Field and the spread of violence and warfare. -
Weathering the storm: Political Science revives exchange with Netherlands university to prepare Alabama for severe weather
To strengthen Alabama’s readiness for natural disasters, Department of Political Science faculty are leading a knowledge exchange with the University of Twente. -
Bringardner named associate provost for academic affairs
Chase Bringardner, professor of theatre in the College of Liberal Arts, has been selected as the associate provost for academic affairs, effective Jan. 1, 2024.