ODE experts assist with leadership development and workforce planning, and provide counsel to managers throughout the system. The department also helps employees learn, grow and upgrade skills. Training and classes are available on each campus, online or by webcast.

Find currently scheduled classes listed on the Learning Portal or Linkedin Learning.

ODE uses professional and best practices human resources guidelines to attract, develop, motivate and retain productive, engaged employees. The goal of ODE is to create a high-performance, sustainable organization that meets its strategic and operational goals and objectives.

The ODE Team consists of:

R. Mark Miles, Ed.D.

Director of Organizational Development & Engagement
r.mark.miles@untsystem.edu

Dr. R. Mark Miles serves as the Director of Organizational Development & Engagement. He has worked in Higher Education, Corporate, and Government sectors in organizational development, and training and consulting. Dr. Miles previously served as the Director of Professional Development at Lone Star College-University Park in Houston, TX.
Dr. Miles is a UNT alum with BA in Journalism (Public Relations), MA in Organizational Communication (Training and Development) from the University of Arkansas, Little Rock, and an Executive Doctorate in Higher Education Administration from the University of Alabama.

Shannon D. William, MA

Organizational Development Consultant
shannon.d.williams@untsystem.edu

Shannon D. Williams most recently served as an Organizational Development Specialist for Baptist Health System in Arkansas supporting 11 campuses and 12,000+ employees. Some of Shannon’s responsibilities included Gallup employee engagement coaching and consulting, performance management, leadership development, change management, culture management, individualized team needs, and organizational development research, evaluation, and assessment. He is a certified StrengthsFinder facilitator and a trained coach.
He graduated from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with three Bachelor of Arts degrees—Speech Communication, Sociology, and Criminal Justice; and a Master of Arts in Higher Education. He is a candidate for the PhD in Interdisciplinary Leadership at the University of Central Arkansas

Suzanne Gravois

LMS Administrator and Digital Learning Consultant
suzanne.gravois@untsystem.edu

Suzanne supervises a variety of learning systems administration and training, including EIS administration, and the new ELM learning system.Prior to joining UNT System HR, Suzanne worked for the UNT Health Science Center  in the Library, Information Technology Services and Human Resources departments. Suzanne has more 30 years of experience in training, also working for organizations such as Pennzoil,  the U.S. House of Representatives and several technical training centers.
Her current position focuses on the delivery and implementation of learning and development solutions that enhance the technical skills of staff and faculty.  Suzanne designs curriculum and provides functional training to users on all UNT campuses.
She received a bachelor's degree from Nicholls State University.

Amanda Fisher, M.S., CTP

Senior Learning & Development Specialist
Amanda.fisher@untsystem.edu

Amanda currently serves in the role of Senior Learning & Development Specialist for the University of North Texas System after joining the team in 2015.
Prior to joining UNT System HR, Amanda worked for Hill College in Hillsboro Texas for 9 years, providing a multitude of HR related functions including training & development, employee relations, recruitment & selection, and employee recognition. She also served Hill College for 2 years as the Assistant Director of Human Resources.
Her current position is focused on identifying learning and development needs for the UNT World and providing training and development solutions that align with each organization’s mission and strategic priorities.
Amanda holds a Master’s degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Kansas State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Development (with a minor in Business) from Texas A&M University. Amanda is a Certified Training & Development Professional.

Sony Simon

Leadership Program Coordinator 
sony.simon@untsystem.edu

Sony has served in K-12 and Higher Education for 19 years. Previously, she worked as a leadership trainer for Lone Star College-University Park. Her professional background includes training experience across both academic and student services including but not limited to: payroll/human resources, division operations, academic affairs, student success, technology, and professional development.
In her current role, Sony is responsible for the management and day-to-day operations of all cohort leadership programs.
Sony received her Bachelor of Science (Psychology and Communications) from the University of Houston, Downtown. She also has a certification in Train- the- Trainer from the Association of Talent Development.