New executive director of Human Resources sees UHCL becoming influence in higher education
On June 5, President Ira Blake announced W. Brad McGonagle had accepted the position of executive director of Human Resources at the University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) starting June 6.
“Dr. McGonagle brings with him more than 22 years of human resources experience, most of it in higher education,” Blake said in an e-mailed statement to faculty, staff and students. “He holds a doctorate in Human Resource Development and Management from Texas A&M University.”
McGonagle, who has lived in the Clear Lake area for the past 20 years, said he had always known UHCL to be a “hidden gem” within higher education.
“Under Dr. Blake’s leadership and the transition to a four-year institution I see UHCL becoming a major influence on the region as a provider of highly talented graduates while developing a faculty that is globally recognized for excellence in teaching and research,” McGonagle said.
As the executive director of Human Resources, McGonagle will report directly to Interim Vice President of Administration and Finance Usha Mathew, and oversee the development and administration of policies, procedures and programs related to human resources (HR), employment recruitment, compensation, payroll, benefits, and employee training, wellness and development.
“All of the services provided through the [Office of] Human Resources affect the entire UHCL community so his direction and guidance in how we conduct business will ultimately affect the campus community as well,” said Abby Varela, senior employment coordinator for the Office of Human Resources.
Prior to his position at UHCL, McGonagle was most recently employed at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston’s School of Nursing as its human resources administrator from February 2017 to July 2017.
Beyond that, McGonalge was with Texas A&M University at Galveston from August 1999 to June 2012, when he vacated the role of associate vice president for administration.
“The majority of my career has been spent in higher education and I am very familiar with the challenges of a campus the size of UHCL and the wonderful opportunities that lie in store,” McGonagle said.
When it comes to the Office of Human Resources, McGonagle said the sole function of the department is to support the students, faculty and staff of UHCL.
“We are here as a resource to the entire campus community and will be a campus leader in customer service,” McGonagle said. “The main role we play is to reaffirm to our customers that we are here to help them be the best student, faculty or staff member possible which in turn makes the campus great.”
Going forward in his new position, McGonagle said his vision is to support Blake in advancing the campus through training development for students, faculty and staff. In addition, McGonagle is in the process of reviewing position descriptions, policies and procedures in order to make revisions.
“[Dr. Blake] has a very solid vision for this campus,” McGonagle said. “She has a lot of energy and it’s contagious. It’s easy to want to fall in behind her vision and to see what she wants to do and help her get there.”
McGonagle said the HR office is open to all members of the UHCL community.
“I would like the UHCL community to know our office is a champion for equality, diversity and inclusiveness and that my door is always open as is the doors of the HR team,” McGonagle said.
For more information on the Office of Human Resources, visit the website at www.uhcl.edu/human-resources.
Also published on Medium.
