Culture, Learning & Engagement

Employee Learning & Organizational Effectiveness

About Us

Employee Learning and Organizational Effectiveness (ELOE) is a definitive training resource for employees, supervisors, and managers, providing training services as well as linking others to development programs across the university. ELOE supports professional development on the University Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus by presenting informational and development programs, supervisory and management courses, seminars, retreats, and online learning.

Contact

Employee Learning and Organizational Effectiveness
Phone: (217) 333-8342
Email: ihr-learning@illinois.edu

Professional Development Opportunities Bulletin

Learn more about professional development opportunities provided by ELOE on campus by subscribing to this monthly bulletin.

Grow your career

Employee Development

Your professional development and growth are important to us. Our employee development programs are designed to enhance the skills, knowledge, and professional growth of every university employee. These programs recognize the unique strengths, aspirations, and developmental needs of each employee.

Supervisor Development

Supervisor development programs are designed to enhance the leadership skills, managerial capabilities, and overall effectiveness of individuals in supervisory or managerial roles within their positions at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. These programs focus on providing training, resources, and support to help supervisors excel in their roles and contribute to the success of their teams.

Supervisor Development
Male Labor and Employment Relations student smiling in business attire in the atrium of the Business Instructional Facility.

Executive Development

Executive development at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign encompasses a comprehensive suite of resources designed to equip administrative executives with the necessary skills, knowledge, and strategies to excel in their roles.

Organizational Development

We offer comprehensive services in strategic planning, change management, organizational culture support, and executive leadership development, to help individuals and organizations effectively navigate transitions, align their teams with strategic goals, and cultivate strong leadership for lasting success.

Leading People
Staff

Illinois Supervisor Competency Model

The Illinois Supervisor Competency Model outlines essential skills aligned with organizational goals. Supervisors are crucial to achieving the University’s mission by leading with clarity, expertise, and empowerment. We offer definitions, behaviors, and development options for each competency.

Submit to Request a Service

Have a training or organizational development need? Complete this form to submit your inquiry to the Employee Learning and Organizational Effectiveness (ELOE) team. We’ll get back to you within three business days to schedule a free 30-minute consultation or guide you to helpful resources.

Becky Hinrichs, Director, Employee Learning & Organizational Effectiveness

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, Training and Development Manager

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, Organizational Development Consultant

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, Organizational Development Consultant

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, Asynchronous Learning and Content Manager

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.

Latoya Phillips, Training and Development Specialist

Latoya Phillips earned her M.S. in Training and Development from Eastern Illinois University in 2013. She began her Illinois career at the University System Office and later served in Student Affairs at the Illini Union before joining ELOE in 2023. Latoya has facilitated a wide range of professional development programs, including Illinois Orientation for New Employees, Travel Management Training, and Power Skills at Illinois. She is also a certified DiSC facilitator, committed to supporting employee learning and growth.

Mike Firmand, Training and Development Specialist

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, Program Coordinator

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.

Debbie Skinner, Office Support Specialist

Debbie Skinner brings a strong background in psychology and sociology, holding a B.A. magna cum laude from Illinois Wesleyan University and completing graduate coursework in social work at the University of Illinois. Since 2015, she has supported various departments across campus, including Disability Resources and Educational Services and Illinois Human Resources. Debbie is deeply committed to accessibility and inclusion, both through her university roles and her ongoing work as a personal assistant for individuals with disabilities.