Laurie Brigham
Prairie Grove,AR
Summary
Administrative Manager and Executive Assistant with 13+ years of progressive experience in higher education administration, budget oversight, faculty support, academic scheduling, procurement, and HR operations. Skilled in managing complex workflows, coordinating high-volume travel, and supporting executives and faculty through efficient, detail-driven processes. Recognized for award-winning service, consistent accuracy, and strong leadership. Known for anticipating needs, improving administrative efficiency, and delivering exceptional support.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Human Resources & Budget Manager
University of Arkansas
10.2016 - Current
- Manage annual departmental budgets totaling $500,000–$700,000, excluding grant funds.
- Meet with grant PIs to ensure funds align with project budgets.
- Coordinate scheduling for 350+ courses per semester.
- Supervise and train Administrative Support Specialist III.
- Serve as backup for all faculty, staff, and graduate travel.
- Manage faculty candidate interview logistics.
- Oversee travel and procurement cards; process 200+ annual purchases.
- Maintain vendor compliance via PaymentWorks.
- Collaborate on fiscal year budgeting and supplemental funding.
- Submit budgets for summer and intersession teaching.
- Prepare graduate faculty applications.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, Workday, UAConnect, CLSS, R25Live, Teams, SmartSheet, and Trello.
Administrative Support Supervisor
University of Arkansas
12.2015 - 10.2016
- Supervised three administrative staff.
- Processed travel for 100+ individuals annually.
- Managed procurement processes.
- Planned and executed departmental events.
- Ensured policy compliance across the department.
Administrative Specialist III
University of Arkansas
01.2012 - 01.2014
- Scheduled rooms for events through R25Live.
- Assisted with departmental events.
- Processed student forms.
- Enrolled students and removed holds in UAConnect.
- Processed faculty travel.
Administrative Specialist II
University of Arkansas
06.2011 - 01.2012
- Managed applications for graduate programs.
- Communicated admissions decisions.
- Completed academic progress forms.
- Provided student guidance and removed enrollment holds.
Education
Accounting I & II Certificate - Professional and Workforce Development
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR01.2024
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, Arkansas05.2011
Skills
- Administrative Operations Management
- Executive & Faculty Support
- Budgeting & Financial Oversight
- Procurement & Travel Coordination
- Grant & Compliance Support
- Staff Supervision & Training
- Calendar & Meeting Management
- Academic Scheduling
- Event Planning and Logistics
- Workday
- UAConnect
- CLSS
- R25Live
- Excel
- Word
- Teams
- Trello
- Outlook
Awards Recognition
- Outstanding Staff Award (COEHP), 2022
- Outstanding Staff Award (COEHP), 2019
- Superior Service Award (COEHP), 2018-2019
- Outstanding Overall Performance (COEHP), Spring 2013
- Outstanding Service to Faculty/Staff (COEHP), Fall 2011
References
- Christian Z. Goering, 479-263-7335, cgoering@uark.edu, Full Professor, University of Arkansas
- Rhett J. Hutchins, 803-834-1594, rjhutchi@uark.edu, Educational Studies Program Coordinator, University of Arkansas
- Ed Bengtson, 678-982-8779, egbengts@uark.edu, Associate Dean, University of Arkansas
- Cheryl Murphy, 479-530-2365, cmurphy@uark.edu, Vice Provost of Distance Education, University of Arkansas
Timeline
Human Resources & Budget Manager
University of Arkansas
10.2016 - Current
Administrative Support Supervisor
University of Arkansas
12.2015 - 10.2016
Administrative Specialist III
University of Arkansas
01.2012 - 01.2014
Administrative Specialist II
University of Arkansas
06.2011 - 01.2012
Accounting I & II Certificate - Professional and Workforce Development
University of Arkansas
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
University of Arkansas