Judy Espinoza, chief human resources officer for Via Christi, has been named director of human resources at Wichita State University.

Espinoza takes over for Frankie Kirkendoll, who is retiring from Wichita State June 30.

“It’s another great hire by WSU in a critical position that will help move our university forward,” says Troy Bruun, associate vice president for administration and finance.

A 1989 WSU graduate and passionate Shocker fan, Espinoza returns to campus with more than 26 years of human resources experience, including recruitment, conflict resolution, change management, benefits administration, employment law, compensation and employee relations.

She has served as a member of the Via Christi human resources team since 2002 in such roles as director of total rewards, director of human resources integration and benefits manager.

Espinoza played a major part in the integration of Via Christi Clinic into Via Christi Health and then with the integration of Via Christi into the larger Ascension national health ministry.

Before joining Via Christi, she served as the human resources leader for national franchise company Property Management Corp.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to serve for the university I love,” she says. “It feels in many ways like I’m coming home.