To: All Employees
Dear Colleagues,
We are writing to share an organizational update regarding Human Resources at UC Merced.
Effective July 1, 2026, Human Resources will transition to the Division of Finance and Administration (DFA). This change reflects a strategic alignment of core business functions, placing Human Resources alongside related operational areas within the same division.
Human Resources is led by Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Human Resources Officer Michelle Kincanon, who will directly report to Vice Chancellor for Planning and Budget and Chief Financial Officer Kurt Schnier.
This updated reporting structure strengthens our ability to deliver coordinated, responsive, and customer service-oriented support to our campus community. It enhances day-to-day collaboration among teams that serve employees and departments, while fostering a culture rooted in high performance and service excellence. The Chancellor’s Division will continue to include Internal Audit, Ethics & Compliance, Legal Services, University Ombuds, Risk Management, the Office for the Prevention of Harassment & Discrimination, Government Relations, and UC Merced Arts. Human Resources will maintain strong and ongoing collaboration with these units, even as this transition enables closer operational alignment with DFA.
This change does not alter the scope of Human Resources services or its ongoing commitment to collaboration, transparency, and service to our campus community.
Please join us in thanking Michelle and the Human Resources team for their ongoing leadership and service to our campus.
Sincerely,
Cori Lucero
Assistant Chancellor and Chief of Staff
Kurt Schnier
Vice Chancellor for Planning and Budget and Chief Financial Officer
