N.C. A&T Appoints Hope to Lead Human Resources Operations

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (July 24, 2025) – North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University’s Division of Human Resources has appointed Orielle Hope, M.S., assistant vice chancellor of Human Resources Operations. She oversees employee benefits, human resources information systems (HRIS) and HR operations.

A N.C. A&T alumna with more than 25 years of experience in regulatory compliance and quality management and more than 17 years in human resources leadership, Hope brings a dynamic blend of strategic insight, technical expertise, and a proven track record of fostering organizational effectiveness to her new role.

“We are thrilled to have Ms. Hope’s passion for people, commitment to excellence, and forward-thinking leadership to advance HR operations and elevate the employee experience campus-wide,” said Allison Chisholm, interim chief human resources officer. “Her vast experience and vision, combined with her commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive work culture, will contribute significantly to recruiting and retaining talented people to the university.”

Hope, who joined the university in May, was recently honored with the prestigious HR Impact Award by Triad Business Journal for her outstanding contributions to the human resources profession. She also received the 2024 Alumni Achiever Award from Winston-Salem State University.

Hope previously served as director of Human Resources and Benefits at Salem Academy and College, where she led key HR initiatives, strengthened workforce strategy, and advanced diversity and inclusion efforts across the institution. Prior to that, she served in senior leadership roles at the Housing Authority of the City of High Point, North Carolina, Arbor Acres United Methodist Retirement Community, and Top Priority Care Services, where she built HR departments from the ground up and led organization-wide training, compliance, and talent development efforts.

Known for her collaborative leadership, innovative problem-solving, and ability to drive strategic growth, Hope has extensive experience in benefits administration, HRIS implementation, employee relations, compliance, training and development, and diversity and inclusion. She is a respected voice in the HR community, having held leadership roles within the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), including as diversity director for the Winston-Salem, North Carolina, chapter.

A native of Hamden, Connecticut, Hope is a certified HR professional (PHR®). She earned an M.S. in human resources with a minor in instructional technology and design from A&T summa cum laude and a B.A. in sociology from Winston-Salem State.