Kim Shamley is a new member of the UNLV community, representing both the Office of Human Resources and Division of Student Affairs as the student affairs senior human resources business partner. But her path to a career in HR has been anything but traditional.
Shamley started out in operations and consulting, where she made work easier by improving and streamlining processes. She often took on roles that highlighted her resiliency and flexibility — attributes she'd had to hone since a teenager.
At the age of 13, Shamley lost both of her parents within six months of one another. She then moved from Detroit to Chicago to live with her aunt and began attending a new school.
“I had to look at it as overcoming a major obstacle rather than it overcoming me through the faith taught to me by my mother,” she said.
Persevere she did. Shamley went on to college and became a first-generation success story. Her aunt never had to worry about her finding a job she enjoyed, especially with her ability to easily transition her previous experience into an HR role. She has consulted for a variety of Fortune 100 and 500 clients.
“HR chose me, I didn’t choose HR,” Shamley said.
What does a senior human resources business partner do?
A senior HRBP works alongside their assigned division and serves as an advocate for anything employee/HR-related.
In my case, I serve as a strategic partner for Student Affairs. I am a resource for all units as it relates to all areas of the "employee life cycle" — from hiring to offboarding — working closely with the various units of the central HR team and relying on their assistance and expertise, as well.
How do you plan to shape your position?
Within the first 90 days, I plan to get to know the units within the division — to understand the pain points, and determine current state vs. future state as it relates to HR operations. My goal is to develop key partnerships and create a highly functional framework that is structured and easy to navigate.
You have a lot of career experience — what do you enjoy most about working in this field?
The people operations of HR — and each aspect of the employee life cycle as it relates to the development and growth of the employee. Throughout my career, I have been afforded the opportunity to work in multiple fields, with multiple generations of employees as a practitioner and a consultant with Fortune 100 and 500 clients. Each position and experience has been unique and has prepared me for where I am today.
What’s something you wish you’d known when you first started?
That human resources, although complex, is not scary. Over the years, I have developed my appreciation for the field and all that comes with it. I have also seen HR evolve and morph into partnership — not just administrative or tactical, but strategic and forward-thinking. I vowed to make HR fun and interesting. I consider my approach to HR atypical.
What brought you to UNLV?
I was interested in getting back into higher education and sought out HR opportunities at UNLV pre-pandemic. Unfortunately, hiring was put on hold, and I was provided the opportunity to work with a great non-profit organization. I relocated to Henderson post-pandemic, and UNLV continued to pique my interest. When an opportunity arose, I applied, and here I am!
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Chocolate, gummy bears, and peach licorice when I can find it!
What’s your favorite part about living in the Las Vegas area?
The opportunity to experience the best of both worlds — the excitement of The Strip and the retreat of the surrounding suburbs.
What are your favorite books and what are you currently reading?
The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren — I reread it almost every year because there is always something new or I have a different perspective.
Recently I read You’ve Been Chosen by Cynt Marshall (CEO at Dallas Mavericks) and The 6 Types of Working Genius by Patrick Lencioni (author of The Five Dysfunctions of a Team and many others).
If you could have a chat over coffee with anyone (alive) in the world right now, who would that be and why?
Ken Blanchard (author of The One Minute Manager) — because this book helped me and my team tremendously back in the day. It was a staple, a foundation to build upon, and it still helps me today.
Pastor Rick Warren because his spiritual devotions have been invaluable to me and his lessons are simple and easy to understand. He has been a true inspiration.
What’s something that others would be surprised to learn about you?
That I am an introvert. I navigate the HR space, constantly talking with people and helping people, which is my passion, BUT I am usually drained at the end of the day.
