Jan. 30, 2026 | Emily Reier ’28
Shelly Arsenault ’21M has built a career at the intersection of people, purpose and healthcare. From talent acquisition to workforce development at Cone Health, her work centers on helping individuals discover where they belong and how they can grow within the healthcare system. A graduate of the UNCW Online MBA program, with a concentration in healthcare, Arsenault brings a people-centered approach to shaping the future of the healthcare workforce.
In this latest Hawk’s Eye View, Arsenault shares the experiences that shaped her journey, the impact of her Cameron School of Business education and what inspired her work in healthcare HR.
You’ve grown into several roles at Cone Health over the years. What moments or decisions have most shaped your path into talent acquisition and workforce development?
I knew I had found my calling in HR when I recognized how much I value helping people discover where they best fit within Cone Health. Throughout my roles in employee relations, preboarding and recruitment, I saw how intentional hiring and meaningful onboarding can transform a person’s experience and ultimately strengthen retention, morale and patient care. Another defining moment was my transition into Workforce Development in October 2025. This move expanded my focus from supporting candidates entering our health system to helping build the future workforce long before they apply.
What inspires you most about your work?
What inspires me most about this work is the opportunity to develop talent early. From middle school students discovering an interest in healthcare to those who have chosen a clear career pathway and are seeking hands-on, real-world experience. Being part of these early touchpoints allows us to ignite interest, build confidence and provide clear direction for individuals pursuing opportunities within our health system. It’s incredibly rewarding to contribute to a talent pipeline that is purpose-driven, community-focused and built for long-term growth.
How did the UNCW Online MBA, with a healthcare concentration, and your experience with the Cameron School of Business influence the way you approach leadership and strategy in healthcare HR?
The UNCW Online MBA program strengthened the way I approach leadership by helping me connect the human side of HR with the operational, financial and strategic realities of healthcare. The healthcare concentration added a critical layer of understanding – helping me better interpret industry trends, anticipate workforce needs and appreciate how staffing, retention and development influence patient outcomes.
What stood out most from my experience with the Cameron School of Business was the emphasis on evidence-based decision making, systems thinking and leading with emotional intelligence. Those concepts now guide how I support leaders, design programs and shape workforce strategies at Cone Health. Overall, the MBA gave me a more holistic view of how leadership, culture and strategy intersect in healthcare – and it elevated the way I advocate for people, build programs and support the long-term health of the workforce.
Is there a specific skill, course or project from your MBA program that you still draw on in your current role?
One course I continue to rely on heavily is Organizational Behavior, which deepened my understanding of how people, teams and culture influence performance. Those concepts surface in my work daily – whether I’m supporting leaders, analyzing workforce needs or designing development opportunities that help employees thrive. I also draw on the program’s strategic leadership and healthcare management coursework, which provided a framework for approaching workforce challenges through both people-first and system-level lenses.
You’ve been recognized as a “Wellness Warrior” at Cone Health. How does personal wellness influence the way you support employees and build workplace culture?
Personal wellness is central to who I am and directly influences how I support employees and shape workplace culture. I believe that when we prioritize our physical, mental and emotional wellbeing, we’re better equipped to lead with clarity, compassion and purpose. The idea that “you can’t pour from an empty cup” guides how I show up and model healthy habits. Self-care is a strength, not an afterthought. In practice, this means leading with empathy, meeting people where they are and advocating for resources and development pathways that support growth, resilience and meaningful connection.
Why is a “people-centered” approach so important in your role at Cone Health, and what does it mean to you in practice?
To me, a people-centered approach means looking beyond the resume and seeing each candidate as a whole person – their strengths, aspirations and what they need to thrive. In healthcare, this is especially important because compassion, purpose and teamwork directly impact the care we provide our patients. Talent practices extend far beyond hiring – they show up in how we build early-career pathways, create meaningful community partnerships and collaborate with schools and education programs to support the next generation of healthcare talent. Whether we’re engaging middle school students, supporting adult learners or working with community partners, the goal is the same: help individuals feel supported, inspired and connected to opportunities where they can grow and belong.
As healthcare and HR continue to evolve, what excites you most about the future of your work?
What excites me most about the future of healthcare and HR is Ai’s ability to make our work more strategic and people centered. By automating routine tasks, Ai allows HR teams to focus on culture, engagement and development while improving how we anticipate needs and address challenges like burnout and skill gaps. It also enables personalized growth pathways and more equitable, efficient talent acquisition. Ultimately, Ai enhances the human element so we can better support the people who care for others.
What advice would you give current UNCW students interested in HR or healthcare?
My journey has taught me a few key lessons that I love to share with emerging professionals: If you stay curious, stay connected and stay open to learning, you’ll find your path – just like I found mine.
Stay curious about people – how they think, what motivates them and how to build trust. Strong communication, empathy and the ability to work with diverse groups will shape your success in any leadership or people-focused role. Seek experiences that will challenge you to navigate real-world conversations and understand organizational dynamics.
Build your professional network early by reaching out to professionals and alumni. Over time, these relationships can become some of your greatest career assets.
Finally, don’t wait to feel “fully ready.” Some of the biggest growth in my career happened when I stepped into something new with a willingness to learn.