Bogart Awarded for Excellence in Human Resources

VALDOSTA - Denise Bogart, director of Human Resources for Valdosta State University, was recognized by the College & University Professional Association for Human Resources - Georgia Chapter, as the 2008 Excellence in Human Resources Award winner at the CUPA conference held Thursday, Feb. 7, in Atlanta, Ga.

The award was designed to recognize individuals who demonstrated improvement to the quality of programs and services at their respective institutions through effective human resource administration practices and leadership. Open to all public, private and Department of Technical and Adult Education schools, nominees were expected to exhibit administrative leadership; a commitment to the furtherance of excellence through service, leadership involvement and professional activities; a commitment to learning and continuous professional development; excellence and professionalism in the field of human resources; innovative approaches to department activities and a management philosophy that facilitates the development of progressive human resource programs; and finally, significant and noteworthy contributions to the institution’s overall effectiveness through exemplary human resource services and practices.

An active member of the Society for Human Resource Management and a Certified Professional in Human Resources, Bogart began her position at VSU in June of 2006. According to her colleagues, she understands the importance of being a leader in her field and providing opportunities for her staff to expand their knowledge and expertise, which has allowed her to take the department to the next level of excellence. She enhanced the department’s image by moving from a traditional personnel office to a progressive human resources office, made possible via departmental reorganization, campaigns for reaching out to all VSU units and the utilization of cutting edge technology to increase efficiency.

Rosezella Ward, assistant director for employee administration, was part of the team that nominated Bogart for the honor. Ward said she felt Bogart deserved recognition for the work she has done since joining the team.

"She has been eager to share her experience and ideas to transform human resources (as well as the VSU campus) to a higher level of performance and partnership,” Ward said. “Under her leadership, not only are we provided ideas and avenues for improvement but also encouragement and support to get the job done.”

As the first Director of Human Resources to serve on the president’s cabinet, she has kept human resource issues on the agenda and truly demonstrated support for change. Her presence has been instrumental in pushing important initiatives, including the implementation of a salary study and follow through with pay grade updates, revision of the compensation policy to incorporate more flexibility to make salary adjustments for recruiting and retaining high quality individuals, implementation of professional development programs and the employee wellness program, and much more.