Columbus State appoints Wade as chief human resource officer

November 1, 2021

Columbus State University has announced Tamara Jenkins Wade as its chief human resource officer and director of its Office of Human Resources, effective immediately.

Wade, who has served in this capacity on an interim basis since March 2021, has held a variety of human resources roles at Columbus State since 2008. Her prior CSU service has included Office of Human Resources roles as assistant director and talent acquisition manager.

“Tamara’s interim leadership of the Office of Human Resource has been a constant during a period marked by ongoing adaptation during the pandemic,” said Rick Sears, vice president for business and finance. “I know we will continue benefiting from the wealth of institutional knowledge and expertise she brings to this role.”

Her university duties include providing leadership for the Office of Human Resources, ensuring that all human resources programs and initiatives align with the overall institutional goals and objectives, and supporting and serving on a variety of employee-facing committees and programs. Among her noteworthy appointments include CSU’s COVID-19 Response Team, the Diversity and Inclusion Committee, and Staff Council. Her professional affiliations include membership in the National Association of African Americans in Human Resources (NAAAHR) and the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM).

As a U.S. Army veteran, she served in the Ordnance Corps for eight years, with assignments that include the Republic of Korea, Texas and Hawaii.

She is a founding member and currently advises the Collegiate Women of Columbus State University—a student organization that empowers women through education, mentoring and community volunteering. Previously, she volunteered with Girls Inc. of Columbus and Phenix-Russell, which mentors, equips and advocates for school-aged girls as they navigate gender, economic, and social barriers, and grow up healthy, educated, and independent. 

Wade holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration, with an emphasis on human resource management, from Hawaii Pacific University. She also earned a master of human resource development degree from Clemson University. She is a licensed Title IX investigator.