Meet Our World-Class Faculty
The faculty of the Human Relations program is comprised of field practitioners with diverse backgrounds, many of whom are accomplished authors, academic researchers, and international speakers. The distinguished faculty of the Human Relations program will prepare students to work with diverse populations and confront systemic social and organizational inequities and take on roles related to human resources, leadership and talent management, general management, and other human skills.
Elite Faculty
Among the faculty are award-winning subject matter experts, often sought after to speak at conferences, participate in webinars and podcasts, and even in news segments.
Multidisciplinary Approach
Our faculty come from diverse backgrounds and disciplines and combine professional practice with theoretical perspectives that will help you become a confident leader in today's ever-changing dynamic society.
Supportive Mentors
Our instructors take a mentorship approach to supporting your academic and professional goals, preparing you to work with diverse populations and take on complex and systemic social issues.
Brenda Lloyd-Jones, Ph.D.
An expert in her field, Dr. Brenda Lloyd-Jones received her Ph.D. in Education, Administration, and Research with a focus on Leadership from the University of Tulsa. She is an accomplished educator, academic researcher, international speaker, and published author. Dr. Lloyd-Jones has won numerous awards for her academic, professional, and community leadership initiatives such as the Mayor’s Pinnacle Award, OU’s Leadership Award, and the Leadership Tulsa’s Paragon Award. She has also appeared in the news segment “Therapy Thursday” on News on 6, a CBS affiliate, where she responds to viewers’ questions.
Eric Sourie, Ph.D.
A certified human resources professional, Dr. Eric Sourie received his master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of Oklahoma. He has previously held positions as a Human Resources Manager, a Senior Human Resources Analyst, and a Director of Organizational Development and Training. As a researcher of Africana and African American Studies and the History of Education, Dr. Sourie has been invited to present at the History of Education Society, American Educational Studies Association, and International Standing Conference for the History of Education.
Marilyn Y. Byrd, Ph.D.
Dr. Marilyn Byrd received her BBA and MBA from Sam Houston State University and her Ph.D. from Texas A & M. As a seasoned educator, researcher, and accomplished author, Dr. Byrd has written books, journal articles, and editorials on topics ranging from diversity in the workforce to inclusive leadership. She is regularly sought after to participate in webinars, podcasts, and present at conferences. An award-winning subject matter expert, Dr. Byrd currently serves as the Editor in Chief for the Advances in Developing Human Resources publication.
Tifanie Pulley, Ph.D.
Dr. Tifanie Pulley is a Lecturer in the Department of Human Relations at the University of Oklahoma and serves as the Program Director for the Diversity, Equity and Strategic Impact (DESI) online master's program. Additionally, she is an active member of the OU Online Community Council. Dr. Pulley received her Ph.D. in sociology and women’s and gender studies from Louisiana State University. She has authored several journal articles and book chapters on topics of race, class, and gender in academia, feminist politics, the criminal justice system, and the role of black women in the community. Dr. Pulley has presented at numerous conferences and is a member of the International Black Women’s Congress (IBWC), American Sociological Association, Association of Black Sociologists, Southern Sociological Society, Society for the Study of Social Problems, American Society of Criminology, and the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice.