PRESS RELEASES

Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) Places Director of Human Resources at Fort Hays State University

(July 7, 2025, WEST HARTFORD, CT) Following a national search, Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES), a leading higher education focused executive search firm, is pleased to announce the successful placement of Russell Irby securing the role as Director of Human Resources at Fort Hays State University.

Russell Irby comes to Fort Hays with over 25 years of progressive HR leadership experience across higher education, healthcare, manufacturing, and distribution. He was Regional Human Resources Manager at VitalCore Health Strategies as well as Senior Executive Director of Human Resources and Title IX Coordinator at Mesalands Community College. Russ led initiatives that enhanced institutional compliance, improved employee engagement, and optimized HR operations. He successfully implemented an ADP HRIS system that increased efficiency by 31%, restructured HR policies to ensure adherence to Title IX and EEOC regulations, and launched faculty retention initiatives that improved retention by 22%.

Founded in 1902 as the Western Branch of Kansas State Normal School, Fort Hays State University has grown into a regional leader as a comprehensive public university offering more than 200 degree programs across various disciplines, including business, education, nursing, technology, and the liberal arts. With a student body of over 12,000, including a significant number of online learners, the university provides a flexible and accessible education tailored to both traditional and non-traditional students. The Fort Hays State University model offers affordable, flexible, and challenging academic programs through in-person programs in Hays and worldwide through FHSU Online plus a network of International Partnership campuses making it an excellent choice for working professionals, military personnel, and those seeking a flexible learning experience.

Affordable Excellence

Academic Career & Executive Search, a higher education focused search firm, specializes in affordable excellence, providing perfectly matched candidates to institutions quickly and accurately. Their methodologies, based on frequent touchpoints, pinpoint ideal candidates with speed and meticulous care resulting in highly successful placements.

They offer flexible service/pricing levels for all positions, ensuring affordability. Contact Jennifer Muller, Managing Partner, at 860-740-2600 or Jennifer@ACESrch.com, or visit https://acesrch.com/.