Biography

Meredith Bruner was named Chief Human Resources Officer at Centre College on February 1, 2025, bringing more than 24 years of experience in human resources leadership, including 17+ years in higher education. Known for her collaborative approach, strategic insight, and commitment to fostering inclusive and supportive workplace environments, she leads the College’s human resources operations with a focus on alignment, innovation, and people-first practices.

Since joining Centre in 2007, Bruner has served in a variety of roles of increasing responsibility—from Payroll & Benefits Coordinator to HR Operations Manager, Assistant Director, Associate Director, and now CHRO. Her deep institutional knowledge and leadership across every facet of the HR function have positioned her to guide Centre’s people strategy during a time of growth and transformation.

In her current role, she oversees all areas of HR including talent acquisition, employee engagement, benefits and compensation, compliance, training and development, HR systems, and employee relations. She is committed to advancing a workplace culture rooted in equity, respect, and continuous improvement.

In addition to her work at Centre, Bruner serves as a board chair for the Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (HERC), supporting institutions in their efforts to attract and retain exceptional candidates and foster long-term employee success. She is actively involved in professional HR organizations, serving on the Kentucky CUPA-HR Board, a past president and board member of CKSHRM, and a member of both National and Kentucky SHRM chapters.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration/Management with a minor in Psychology from the University of the Cumberlands and is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through HRCI.

Outside of work, Bruner is an active leader in her church community, where she serves in a variety of teaching and mentoring roles.

Biography

Stephanie Franklin joined the Human Resources office in 2022. Stephanie came to Centre with a retail background, she was a store manager for the Kroger Company for 14 years. She graduated from Eastern Kentucky University in 2003 with a bachelor's degree in marketing. 

Stephanie and her husband, Shane have two children, one grand baby, with another on the way, and live in Stanford. 

Biography

Taylor Curtis joined the Human Resources Office in May 2025. She values data-informed HR practices and manages Centre's HR programs, particularly in the areas of benefits and compensation. 

Prior to joining Centre, Taylor served with the Kentucky State Police, University of Kentucky, and the Jeffersonville Township Public Library, where she managed personnel actions and played a key role in employee benefits and retention initiatives. She is currently advancing her expertise through a master’s degree in Strategic Human Resource Management and Analytics at the University of Kentucky. She completed her B.A in Art History from UK and her M.A in Museum Studies from Seton Hall University. Taylor is a member of the local chapter of SHRM in Central Kentucky.