Cal State San Bernardino has hired Robin Phillips to be its first vice president of human resources. The newly designated Division of Human Resources (HR) formerly reported to the university’s Division of Administration and Finance.

Phillips joins CSUSB from St. Louis Community College, where she served as associate vice chancellor for human resources.

She brings with her more than 20 years of progressively responsible experience in HR management, with 30 years of total job experience working with various public and nonprofit organizations.

“I am pleased to announce that, as of July 1, 2022, the Office of Human Resources is a separate division at Cal State San Bernardino,” CSUSB President Tomás D. Morales communicated to the campus on Aug. 29, Phillips’ start date. He introduced her by stating that the chief human resources officer will now hold the title of vice president, reporting directly to the president and having a seat on the president’s cabinet.

Morales informed the campus community that this action “confirms my commitment to expanding the role and visibility of human resources on our campus along with recognizing its prominence in the successful operations of the university.”

Phillips talked about what her focus will be for the university in leading human resources.

“The Human Resources Division will become a valuable strategic partner by aligning and integrating all HR services to the overall vision and mission of CSUSB,” Phillips said. “We will provide quality HR services, ensure overall compliance, and elevate our responsiveness, engagement and customer service levels to proactively meet the campus community’s needs.”  

Phillips’ HR experience encompasses everything from labor and employee relations (including negotiating collective bargaining agreements) to leading strategic initiatives and developing and implementing policies and procedures. Coaching, developing, training and supporting other leaders have also been part of her work portfolio and experience.

She has a bachelor’s degree in industrial and organizational psychology from Washington University in St. Louis and a master’s degree in human resources management from Troy State University. She also has professional human resources certifications from the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM-CP) and the HR Certification Institute (PHR). Finally, she is a designated master project manager from the American Academy of Project Management.

Learn more at CSUSB Human Resources.