Dayla Randolph, PhD
System Vice President for Talent Management and Development, Advocate Aurora Health (AAH)
Ph.D. Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Northern Illinois University
B.S., Psychology, Washington State University
Dr. Dayla Randolph is currently the System Vice President for Talent Management and Development at Advocate Aurora Health (AAH) and resides in the South Suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. She has over 16 years of experience in Human Resources at AAH in a variety of roles, including HR Operations at both South Suburban and Trinity Hospitals in Illinois.
Dr. Randolph received her Doctorate (Ph.D.) and Master of Science degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Northern Illinois University. She also received her Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Washington State University.
As a WSU McNair scholar, she credits the program with preparing her for graduate school and beyond. For one, the summer research project with Dr. Craig Parks prepared her to understand the process and rigor involved in completing a research project. Additionally, having the opportunity to attend a McNair conference in Dallas, TX gave her the exposure to schools across the nation that carried the program that she was interested in at the time. In fact, she was recruited at the school fair at that conference and that is what led her to her graduate program at Northern Illinois University.
One of the important lessons learned during the program was to not give up. There were times that were challenging and her research project changed direction mid-course. However, with Dr. Parks’ assistance, she pivoted and still produced a great final product that she could be proud of. This lesson was one that helped guide her through her experience in graduate school and always reminded her that persistence is key. If there is any advice that she could offer to others, it is just that – be persistent, you can get through it – keep going.
She is very grateful for Dr. Steve Burkett and Mrs. Nancy Schmidt for selecting her to be among the inaugural cohort of the WSU McNair Scholars program. Their dedication to providing such an opportunity paved the way to where she is today and for so many other scholars who have followed.
In addition to her successful career, Dr. Randolph is actively involved in her community. Most notably, her involvement includes being an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Joliet Area South Suburban Alumnae Chapter. She is also a Youth Counselor at Harvey Church of Christ. In addition, her board involvement includes Healthcare Associates Credit Union (Vice Chairperson), JASSAC Charitable Foundation (Financial Secretary) and Milwaukee Area Technical College Foundation.