When Karlie Passey was growing up, she pictured herself under the bright lights of Broadway. Her stage ended up looking a little different. Now the senior human resources business partner for Business Affairs spends her days supporting the people who keep UNLV moving.
Originally from Nampa, Idaho, Passey's high school graduating class had only 22 students, and she says that small-town sense of connection still shapes the way she approaches her work. She studied English and has always loved writing, but she eventually realized that human resources offered the mix she was looking for. It gave her the opportunity to problem-solve, communicate effectively, and assist others in navigating complex situations.
Since joining UNLV, she has played a key role in shaping the HR business partner model, which has made support across campus feel more personal and easier to navigate. She worked closely with campus leaders over the years and learned how to balance broad goals with the everyday realities to help people succeed in their jobs.
At the center of her work are relationships and the belief that people should feel heard and supported. Looking ahead, she hopes that Business Affairs will continue to be a place where people genuinely enjoy coming to work each day.
What does a senior human resources business partner do?
We’re the go-to HR person for a specific division or department. So, I’m kind of a one-stop shop for Business Affairs. I handle recruitment, compensation analysis, employee relations, and pretty much everything HR-related for the division. Instead of people going to different areas in central HR, they come to me. It keeps things streamlined and more personal.
You were the first to serve in this role at UNLV. How did that come about?
Vice President of Human Resources Ericka Smith developed the business partner program, and I was the pilot for Business Affairs. At the time, HR was still establishing its structure and reputation, and this model helped streamline processes and make them more consistent. It’s been rewarding to see how much it’s changed and improved since then.
What do you think makes the HR business partner model so effective?
It really comes down to service. Having someone dedicated to a specific area means you receive faster responses, fewer delays, and greater consistency. Things like compensation reviews and recruitments move so much quicker now. It helps departments feel supported, rather than having to go through multiple layers to get something done.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
No two days are ever the same. One day, I might be conducting investigations, the next working on compensation analysis, or helping with reorganizations. It’s constantly changing, and I love that.
What’s the biggest misconception about HR?
That we don’t want to give you what you want. I think people sometimes see HR as a hurdle to jump through instead of a partner to climb the mountain with. I’m on your side. I want your area to be successful.
What’s your favorite part of helping people solve workplace challenges?
When supervisors feel empowered to handle situations independently. A lot of HR work can be hard, heavy, or uncomfortable, and it can feel intimidating at first. I love walking someone through a difficult process and seeing them realize, “Oh, I can do this.” That moment when it clicks is really rewarding.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I’d say, “Good for you, not for me.” When you’re young, everyone gives advice that worked for them, and it’s usually well-intentioned. But what’s right for someone else might not be right for you, and that’s OK.
What do you love most about working at UNLV?
The people. We’re surrounded by smart, motivated people and students with fresh ideas. My favorite reminder of that was when my son, who was 2 at the time, came with me to Take Your Child to Work Day. We were standing at the Alumni Amphitheater steps, and he screamed, “I love it here!” I thought to myself, "Me, too."
What does a typical Sunday morning look like for you?
My husband and I take turns sleeping in and getting up early with our son. He’s an early riser, so if it’s my day, we go to the park near our house and play. If it’s my sleep-in day, I stay in bed until about 9:30 a.m., which feels amazing.
What kind of legacy do you hope to leave at UNLV?
I hope I’ve made Business Affairs a better place to work. An easier place to work. A friendlier place to work. I want people’s work experience to be better because I was here.
When you’re not helping others at work, what brings you joy?
I love baking. I honestly think I make the world’s best chocolate chip cookies. It’s something that helps me relax and makes other people happy, too, which is a win-win.
