Graciela (Chela) Dufour will start as Stetson’s associate vice president for Human Resources and Organizational Development on campus May 2, 2022.

Dufour arrives with a wealth of knowledge and has been a respected leader in the human resource field for more than 20 years with a specific focus in higher education. Her role in HR has evolved over the years to include responsibility for key areas such as strategic initiatives, diversity/inclusion, recruitment/retention, staff development, mediation/conflict resolution and communication. In addition, she is especially vigilant about the continual advancement of technology within HR, as well as helping to guide university initiatives.

As AVP for Human Resources at Lewis University in Illinois, she also served as the Title IX coordinator and the president for IL CUPA-HR chapter. Her 14 years of work with CUPA-HR included serving the HR industry in Illinois as a whole.

Although Dufour was not looking for a new job, knowing of Stetson and seeing it as a highly reputable, vibrant and sustainable university, she seized the opportunity upon hearing of the AVP/HR opening.

“Even in just talking with the staff both in DeLand and in Gulfport, I could see that I would be able to add value and support and easily jump into projects,” said Dufour. “It’s very exciting to bring my experiences and see how they might benefit the Stetson community.”

Dufour and her husband of nearly 22 years, Victor Dufour, look forward to becoming involved with the DeLand community and building connections. Together, they have two sons, Alec and Quinn, and two daughters, Brianna and Genevieve.

“Chela has spent many years at Lewis University and has been a thought leader in the CUPA-HR professional world,” said Stetson Executive Vice President and CFO Bob Huth. “She has led a return-to-work group on the reimagining of the new post-pandemic workplace in higher education and is an advocate for inclusive communities. We are excited as she begins to focus on our strategic direction for Human Resources.”

Please join us in welcoming Chela to the Stetson community!