Tim McFarling has been promoted to assistant vice president for human resources for the University of Nevada, Reno and, as such, will oversee all aspects of human resources for one of the area’s largest employers.

McFarling joined the University in 2004 as director of faculty human resources. He continued in that role until August 2008 when he was named interim assistant vice president for human resources. Before joining the University, McFarling was vice president of human resources and organizational development for Wells Manufacturing Company, a division of Carrier Corporation, located in Verdi, Nev. He previously served as director of human resources and training manager for Scolari’s Food & Drug Company in Sparks, Nev.

“Tim brings to this position an impressive and diversified background in training, organizational development, compensation and process improvement,” said Ron Zurek, University vice president for administration and finance. “His work to date in automating and improving many of our HR processes has been especially valuable. And when Tim approaches these projects, he seeks and incorporates the input of faculty and staff, which has been integral to his success. I am confident he will continue to guide initiatives to further improve efficiency and effectiveness of campus operations.”

The University employs nearly 3,500 full- and part-time faculty, administrative faculty and classified-staff employees. The assistant vice president for human resources also has regulatory and reporting responsibilities.

“While management of human resources is a critical function for any major employer, this has been particularly true for the University over the past year,” added Zurek. “As we have adjusted to necessary budget reductions, administration, faculty and staff have all turned to the Human Resources Department for advice and counsel in planning and implementing necessary changes. Tim has demonstrated strong leadership throughout these challenging times.”

McFarling is an active member of the Northern Nevada Human Resources Association and currently serves as the group’s professional development chair. He is a past president of the American Society of Training and Development’s Sierra Chapter, former member of the Nevada Association of Employers Executive Committee, and past president of the Mt. Rose Kiwanis. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in speech communication from Southern Illinois University and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Illinois in Urbana, Ill.