Emeritus and Retired Faculty and Staff Association

Susan Long

Staff

Human Resources Information Center
1992–2015

Susan Long was an exemplary employee that other staff depended upon to effectively implement payroll systems across campus. In particular, she was an indispensable expert during the important campus transition to enterprise software systems, ensuring that human resources data was secure and accurate in order to pay employees.

One of her key responsibilities was oversight of an essential back-end process that checked for errors in Chico State’s PeopleSoft-HR application. “Because of her critical eye for attention to detail and comprehensively documented business processes, access to HR data was secure and audit outcomes were successfully free of findings,” said Rebecca Cagle, director of Payroll, HRIS & BITS, Human Resources Service Center (HRSC).

Long also trained and mentored other staff involved in the complex PeopleSoft-HR system. “Susan was naturally collaborative and cooperatively worked across campus divisions and systemwide to share knowledge and expertise,” said Yvonne Martini, administrative analyst/specialist, Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS), HRSC. “She gave kind and caring support to hundreds of staff across campus. She willingly helped anyone at any time.”

Long’s extra effort, interpersonal skills, and technical understanding were greatly appreciated. “HRIS would receive only wonderful feedback regarding Susan and her approaches to helping, communicating, and responding to questions and the needs of users,” said Martini.

Long started her 23-year career on campus as a Clerical Assistant II in the Personnel Office in Human Resources. She later became a Payroll Technician II and then Payroll Technician III, eventually transitioning to HRSC. At HRSC she was closely involved in the laborious installation, testing, documentation, and implementation aspects of PeopleSoft-HR.

“Susan had amazingly high productivity and excellent quality of work,” said Beverly Gentry, manager, Professional Development, HRSC. “She had extremely high attention to detail in everything she did, and did it with a positive attitude and smile.”

After her retirement in 2015, Long was a highly sought-after retired annuitant for her knowledge of PeopleSoft-HR and ability to accomplish projects prior to deadlines.

Long’s community service includes being a volunteer driver for the Orland Food Pantry, as well as other activities to support the community of Orland through her membership in the Tau Alpha chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. During her campus tenure, Long was also active in the Needy Children Program.

Portrait of Susan Long