Title: Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief People Officer
Company: University of Arkansas
Location: Bentonville, Arkansas, United States
Michelle Hargis Wolfe, JD, associate vice chancellor and chief people officer at the University of Arkansas, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Executives for dedication, achievements, and leadership in human resources and project management.
Ms. Wolfe is a distinguished attorney with a robust career in law and human resources. Since 2020, she has served as the general counsel and corporate secretary at Wolfe Property Solutions LLC, a property management company. Among her many responsibilities, Ms. Wolfe is tasked with drafting and negotiating contracts, conducting mediation and alternative dispute resolution solutions, and litigating various matters.
Leveraging her former success, Ms. Wolfe was the associate vice chancellor of human resources and chief people officer at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville from 2023 to 2025. Her previous tenure at Walmart, which spanned nearly two decades, saw her hold various roles, including senior director of supplier onboarding, master data management and realty supplier and contract management from 2017 to 2023.
A legal career that began as an associate of labor and employment at Bryan Cave LLP in Phoenix in 1997, Ms. Wolfe subsequently joined Lottner, Rubin, Fishman, Brown & Saul PC in Denver as an associate and employment litigation lead of labor and employment and the appellate practice from 1999 to 2002. She also worked for Wright, Lindsey & Jennings LLP in Little Rock, Arkansas, as an associate specializing in labor and employment, commercial litigation and appellate practice between 2002 and 2003.
Ms. Wolfe’s educational background is extensive. She completed coursework at the University of Southern California before earning a Bachelor of Arts in political science and communications from the University of Arkansas. She also received a Master of Business Administration from the University of Denver and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Denver. While working toward her law degree, she completed an internship at Ryley Carlock & Applewhite PC, focusing on real estate and labor and employment law. Ms. Wolfe has been admitted to practice by the Arkansas, Arizona and Colorado Bar Associations. She also holds credentials in behavioral threat assessment and management from Deisinger Consulting LLC, in managing critical incidents at several institutions of higher education, and a global business services professional certification, among others.
Beyond her primary career endeavors, Ms. Wolfe had the opportunity to serve on the board of the Arkansas Research Alliance between 2017 and 2022. Currently, she is an executive board member of Harriet’s Dream, having served as an executive board member and immediate past secretary for 15 years for its original organization, Horses Healing, NWA. The original organization notably provided equine therapy, predominantly for children with disabilities, until it evolved due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, Ms. Wolfe has continued to serve as a mentor with Razorlink since 2019.
Throughout her career, Ms. Wolfe has been recognized for her expertise in mergers and acquisitions, process efficiencies, building high-performing teams, managing large budgets and leadership, among other areas. She is particularly proud of developing the first job and compensation structure during her professional journey. Ms. Wolfe’s dedication to people-centric leadership has been a cornerstone of her success.
Ms. Wolfe attributes her achievements to prioritizing individuals over technology or processes, ensuring others are empowered to reach their goals effectively. This philosophy has guided her throughout her career and continues to influence her current endeavors. Looking ahead, Ms. Wolfe aims to make a meaningful difference by finding and nurturing teams that share her values, extending her impact beyond Arkansas to make a global difference.
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