Fern Howard has been with the University System of Georgia for 17 years, graduating with her Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies from South University and her Master’s of Education in Adult Education & Human Resources Management.
Fern began her career as a Staff Assistant for the Deans’ Offices for Liberal Studies at Armstrong State University, and was promoted to the Office of Human Resources upon the completion of her Bachelor’s. From there, her job responsibilities grew as she was promoted from HR Assistant, to HR Specialist, to HR Coordinator – handling all areas of human resources from benefits and records to training and policy development. As the senior project for her Master’s degree, Fern updated and created the Employee Handbook.
Fern was one of the founding leaders of the Staff Advisory Council for Armstrong Atlantic State University, where she was nominated to serve as the campus’ first chair. She helped create and implement the first ever Sick Leave Pool, as well as several other staff benefits. For her work on the council and across campus, she was awarded a Leadership Award, and went on to serve three consecutive terms on the Staff Advisory Council.
Fern is also a speaker – being invited to speak at a women’s conference in Savannah, and several other events on campus. She also led several charities for the Women’s Shelter, Food Bank, and Student Mentorship on behalf of the campus.
Fern Howard accepted a position in the Department of Human Resources at Georgia Southern University in 2009 as the first Compensation & Classification Director. In this position, she managed all non-faculty employee compensation functions for the University. She was tasked with creating a new pay structure for all staff across campus, which she accomplished in three years, along with the restructuring of several departments.
Fern is currently working as the Executive Assistant over Administration at the Herty Advanced Materials Development Center, Georgia Southern’s applied research center. She serves on the Advisory Board for the Botanic Garden at Georgia Southern University and participates in several after-hour community service projects and events in Savannah. She is also known to submit articles for the Savannah Morning News as a volunteer writer.
South University, BS, Legal Studies
Armstrong Atlantic State University, M.Ed., Adult
Armstrong Atlantic State University, M.Ed, HRM
Fern and her techie husband, Malcolm, reside in Pooler, Georgia, with their sweet dog-child and an energetic bunny. In their “spare time”, they teach kids how to code, collect comic books, and work on cosplay projects together.
