Culture, Learning & Engagement

Becky Hinrichs leads the ELOE team with over 30 years of experience in human resources, including executive leadership roles in healthcare. Before joining Illinois, she served as Chief Human Resources Officer at Riverside Healthcare, overseeing a wide range of HR functions. Becky holds a B.A. in International Business and German and an MBA from Illinois State University. She also maintains multiple HR certifications, including SPHR, SHRM-SCP, CCP, CHHR, and HCS. Becky is committed to fostering a culture of continuous learning and organizational excellence.

Kathy Adams is a proud University of Illinois alumna with a long-standing career on the Urbana-Champaign campus. Since joining the Illinois Human Resources training team in 2020, she has led the development of the Illinois Supervisory Skills program, supporting new supervisors in building essential leadership capabilities. A certified DiSC facilitator and advocate for workplace flexibility, Kathy is passionate about creating dynamic, inclusive work environments and empowering employees through professional growth.

Jackie Billhymer brings over 25 years of human resources experience at the University of Illinois. She holds a B.S. in Organizational and Professional Development from Eastern Illinois University and is certified in Hogan and Center for Creative Leadership 360 assessments. As a SHRM-SCP, Jackie supports strategic planning, change management, and leadership development initiatives, helping to strengthen organizational effectiveness across campus. She is passionate about empowering individuals and teams to grow through personal and professional development.

Scott Boyle brings 20 years of experience leading teams, organizations, and accredited educational institutions in the U.S. Army. He holds degrees from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania (B.S.) and Western Kentucky University (M.S. in Organizational Leadership). At the University of Illinois, he focuses on fostering positive workplace cultures and enhancing organizational effectiveness through strategic planning, change management, and professional development. He is a certified Project Management Professional, an Athena coach, and former Senior Instructor in the U.S. Army.

Emilia Schroer began her university career in 2009 and joined the department full-time in 2012. An Illinois alumna, she earned her Ed.M. in Human Resource Development in 2022, focusing on expanding access to asynchronous learning. Emilia leads the development of Guidance on the Go, a microlearning series that equips supervisors and managers with practical tools to navigate HR challenges. She is passionate about creating flexible, accessible learning experiences for all employees.

Mike Firmand holds degrees from the University of Illinois (B.S.) and Illinois State University (M.S.), with over a decade of experience in higher education. Before joining ELOE in 2024, he served as Associate Director for Career and Professional Development at the Graduate College. A certified trainer in Crucial Conversations® and Getting Things Done®, Mike is dedicated to helping employees thrive in their roles and build meaningful careers at Illinois.

Felicia Parks holds a B.S. in Computer Science from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. She began her career in higher education in Arkansas before joining the University of Illinois in 2013. Felicia has supported various HR functions, including labor and employee relations, and joined ELOE in 2022. As Program Coordinator for the HR Series, she ensures smooth program delivery and supports a variety of learning initiatives. Felicia is dedicated to helping programs run effectively and meet their goals.