Concordia University Wisconsin and the Batterman School of Business are pleased to welcome Pia Yancey as our new associate professor of Human Resources. Yancey has served as an adjunct professor for CUW since 2011, and now brings her considerable experience and expertise to Concordia full-time.
Yancey brings more than two decades of HR experience to her role, which has centered on strategic human resources planning, management consulting, organizational development, and change management. “Throughout my career, I’ve passionately aligned human resources with strategic initiatives,” she explained. “This has allowed me to climb the ranks to my most recent position as Senior Human Resources Business partner at Elevance Health, Inc.”
Yancey has an MBA and a master’s in Human Resources, both from the Keller Graduate School of Management. In addition to her new role as associate professor, Yancey will also continue her work in the new Ph.D. program at CUW.
“We are excited about the impact Pia will have on our team and her ability to connect with both traditional and non-traditional students,” said Dr. Matt Hurtienne, Dean of the Batterman School of Business. “Our program chair, Dr. Bryan Bremeier, recently realigned our curriculum with SHRM, and she will continue to enhance it. Additionally, she brings real-life case studies and experience to the classroom, which our students appreciate.”
Get to know Pia Yancey
What drew you to Concordia University Wisconsin?
The academic integrity, mission, and commitment to student success at Concordia University Wisconsin aligns with my values. The combination of a top-ranking business department and the positive community atmosphere made Concordia stand out. The focus the university places on cultivating critical thinking while maintaining a strong ethical grounding resonated strongly with me, and I felt immediately drawn to contribute my expertise to this environment.
What does such a strong background in HR give you in a broader business sense?
My background in Human Resources not only provides me with insights into employee management but also offers a broader understanding of how organizations function and succeed. I understand how critical human capital is to every facet of a business, from maintaining employee morale to strategic planning and financial stability. It gives me a comprehensive outlook of organizational behavior, management, and strategy, which are fundamental in providing a holistic business education to students.
What are some of your objectives as you move into this new role?
My key objective as I transition into this new role is to create an interactive learning environment that combines theoretical knowledge with practical business scenarios based on my own career experiences. I plan to bring real-world HR issues into the classroom, encouraging students to analyze and solve them. Additionally, I aim to foster an inclusive and supportive classroom community to encourage active participation and peer learning.
What makes you excited about becoming a full-time educator?
The opportunity to nurture the next generation of business leaders and HR professionals fills me with immense excitement and joy. Being able to share my knowledge, influence critical thinking skills, and contribute to lifelong learning journeys is incredibly rewarding.
What’s one of the craziest situations you’ve ever encountered as an HR professional?
One of the wildest experiences I’ve had in my HR career involved a staff member who had taken up residence in the office after losing their home. It was a situation that required tact, sensitivity, and immediate action, reminding me how much human elements and personal circumstances can spill into professional lives.
What things bring you the most joy away from work?
Away from work, I find joy in spending quality time with my family and friends. Traveling to new places, trying out new recipes, reading, and maintaining an active lifestyle are my favorite pastimes. I also enjoy volunteering at local community centers, which keeps me grounded and connected to the wider community.
Want in?
Concordia University Wisconsin is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body, and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world. The Batterman School of Business offers a complete range of business education programs and degrees including associate’s and bachelor’s degrees for undergraduate and accelerated adult students, licensures, and certifications. Graduate programs include our highly ranked Master’s of Business Administration (with 13 concentrations), Master’s in Leadership, Accountancy, Business Analytics and a Doctor of Business Administration. To learn more, click the link below: