Cindi M. Nelson, director of human resources for the Kirkwood School District in Kirkwood, Missouri, has been named chief human resources officer at Missouri University of Science and Technology. Nelson’s appointment will begin Jan. 3.

Nelson succeeds Rhonda Byers, who served as director of human resources since May 2016.

As the chief human resources officer, Nelson will be responsible for directing the HR functions for Missouri S&T, including employment, compensation and benefits, and compliance with laws and regulations.

“Cindi Nelson brings a record of strong leadership in human resources to S&T, and I am looking forward to welcoming her to our university,” says Alysha O’Neil, vice chancellor for finance and operations. “Among her many accomplishments during the past 14 years at Kirkwood, Cindi created a successful support program to retain diverse staff members, created a recognition and orientation program for employees, and helped develop a comprehensive wellness plan for the district. These accomplishments demonstrate her commitment to cultivating a positive workplace culture and to employee recruitment and retention.”

Prior to her current position with the Kirkwood School District, Nelson was a network administrator for Baisch and Skinner in St. Louis.

“I am honored to join Missouri S&T with its rich history of excellence and vision for the future which includes creative, innovative thinking and an inclusive commitment to students, community, faculty, and staff,” says Nelson. “I am most looking forward to meeting the esteemed faculty, staff, and students who have already shown me such a warm welcome.”

Nelson earned a master of business administration and a bachelor of science degree in mathematics, both from Webster University in St. Louis. She is a certified professional through the Human Resources Certification Institute and the Society for Human Resource Management.

About Missouri University of Science and Technology

Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) is a STEM-focused research university of over 7,200 students and is part of the four-campus University of Missouri System. Located in Rolla, Missouri, Missouri S&T offers 101 different degree programs in 40 areas of study and is ranked by CollegeFactual as the best public university to study engineering. For more information about Missouri S&T, visit www.mst.edu.