MSU begins national search for new finance VP
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MSU hires Willow Springs native with 30+ years experience to oversee enrollment
Dawn Medley is Missouri State University’s new vice president for enrollment management. She will succeed Rob Hornberger, who retired this summer after decades with the university. Medley has more than 30 years experience in financial aid, recruitment and student success. She was most recently senior vice president of enrollment management at Drexel University in Philadelphia. She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri, a master’s degree and a doctorate from Lindenwood University.
Medley has over 30 years of experience in higher education administration and most recently served at Drexel University.
Medley will officially assume her new role on Aug. 1, succeeding the recently retired Rob Hornberger.
Dawn Medley, who grew up in Missouri, was recently named Missouri State University’s vice president for enrollment management.
Medley was hired after a national search. She will begin Aug. 1.
“As a first-generation college student from Willow Springs, I understand the transformative power of higher education and the importance of removing barriers for students,” said Medley, in a July 2 news release. “I look forward to working with the talented team here to develop innovative strategies that will help more students discover and achieve their educational dreams at Missouri State.”
Medley has more than 30 years experience in financial aid, recruitment, student success and enrollment management. She will succeed Rob Hornberger, who retired this summer after decades with the university.
Most recently, she was senior vice president of enrollment management at Drexel University in Philadelphia. She was also vice provost for enrollment management and student retention at Stony Brook University, which is in New York, and associate vice president of enrollment management at Wayne State University in Michigan.
Medley created the Warrior Way Back program in 2018, the first program in the nation to forgive student debt and allow students to re-enroll for degree completion.
She also designed the Heart of Detroit scholarship program in 2019, which provides free education to all Detroit high school graduates.
“Dr. Medley brings exceptional leadership and a proven track record of innovation in enrollment management,” said MSU President Richard “Biff” Williams, in the release.
“Her deep understanding of both the challenges and opportunities in higher education enrollment makes her the ideal leader to help us achieve our ambitious enrollment goals.”
Medley has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri, a master’s degree from Southeast Missouri State University, and a doctorate from Lindenwood University.
SU Announces Reese as Associate Vice President of Human Resources
Dr. Sherri Reese is Salisbury University’s next associate vice president of human resources. Reese has more than 15 years of leadership experience in higher education, government and the private sector. Reese holds two Ph.D.s, in industrial and organizational psychology, and public policy and administration. She also holds an M.S. and B.A. in criminal justice, all from Michigan State University. She begins July 15 at Salisbury, Maryland, after a national search, SU says.
Reese’s appointment follows a national search. She begins July 15.
“A dynamic leader, Dr. Reese will bring deep experience in workforce development, HR analytics, change management and employee engagement,” said Aurora Edenhart-Pepe, SU vice president of administration and finance. “She has successfully guided teams through large-scale organizational transformation and is passionate about creating high-performing work cultures aligned with institutional values.”
Reese comes to SU from Michigan State University, where she most recently served as assistant vice president of talent management and director of talent and consulting services. Previously, she served as university’s human resources director, for the office of the provost and faculty and academic staff affairs (FASA).
Prior to joining Michigan State, she held positions at several Michigan state agencies, including the departments of Corrections, Civil Rights, and Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. She also teaches online courses in psychology, general education, criminal justice and public policy as a part-time faculty member at the University of Arkansas.
In addition to her state and higher education work, Reese serves as executive vice president of the Global Leadership Institute for the National Association of African Americans in Human Resources. She also founded the non-profit Designed IV Greatness, facilitating economic mobility and encouraging entrepreneurship by equipping individuals with financial literacy, career coaching and wealth-building strategies.
Reese holds two Ph.D.s, in industrial and organizational psychology, and public policy and administration; and an M.S. and B.A. in criminal justice, all from Michigan State.
“Joining Salisbury University is an incredible opportunity to serve a vibrant campus community and lead alongside a team committed to people and purpose,” said Reese. “I was drawn to SU’s student-centered mission, its spirit of collaboration, and its bold commitment to shaping the future. I’m excited to build on that foundation by creating a culture where employees thrive, innovation is championed, and our shared values come to life.”
Learn more about SU and opportunities to Make Tomorrow Yours at the SU website.
MSU names new vice presidents for advancement, technology
Amy Cooney has served as interim associate vice president for university advancement since June 2023. Joe Kmiech will begin his new role July 1. He will succeed Mark Johnson, who is retiring in June after 15 years at the university. Minnesota State Mankato enrolls more than 15,000 students and is part of the Minnesota State system.
University President Edward Inch announced the appointments Friday, following comprehensive national searches.
Cooney, who has served as interim associate vice president for university advancement since June 2023, will officially begin her new role April 1. She previously held a leadership position at AgStar Financial Services and will succeed Richard Ortega, who has served as interim vice president since June 2024.
“Amy has brought energy, passion and drive to her work at Minnesota State Mankato,” said Inch. “I look forward to working with her to bring her inspiring vision for philanthropy at the University to fruition.”
Kmiech will begin his new role July 1. He currently serves as chief information officer at the University of Wisconsin–River Falls and previously held leadership roles at UW–Superior. He will succeed Mark Johnson, who is retiring in June after 15 years at the university.
“Joe brings substantial experience in developing and executing technology strategies that align with strategic goals,” Inch said. “His experience leading and collaborating in higher education systems is strong, and I believe he will be a great addition to our University.”
Minnesota State Mankato enrolls more than 15,000 students and is part of the Minnesota State system of colleges and universities.
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MSU names new finance chief
Chris Stovall is promoted to become the new vice president for administration and finance. His first official day will be Sunday. He has served as controller at MSU Texas since 2014, and he was named assistant vice president and controller in June 2022. He earned a bachelor of business administration in finance and a BBA in accounting, as well as a master’s in general business — all from Midwestern State. The Certified Public Accountant has nearly two decades of higher education experience.
Midwestern State University promoted Chris Stovall to become the new vice president for administration and finance. His first official day will be Sunday.
“Chris has been a dedicated member of our university community for many years, bringing extensive expertise and experience to his role,” MSU Texas President Stacia L. Haynie said in a media release.
The Certified Public Accountant has a robust accounting and finance background that will aid the university’s commitment to student access and success, Haynie said.
As MSU’s chief financial officer, Stovall will provide leadership, oversight, and stewardship for operations in several areas including budget and strategic financial planning, payroll and contract management.
Stovall said he is honored and grateful to serve his alma mater in the new leadership role.
“I look forward to partnering with the strong leadership team at MSU Texas, continuing to collaborate with the Texas Tech University System, and engaging with the campus community to help shape a bright future for MSU Texas and the students we serve,” Stovall said in the media release.
With nearly two decades of higher education experience, Stovall began working at MSU as an accountant in 2006. He has served as controller at MSU Texas since 2014, and he was named assistant vice president and controller in June 2022.
Stovall earned a bachelor of business administration in finance and a BBA in accounting, as well as a master’s of business administration in general business — all from Midwestern State.
Stovall has served on many councils and committees such as the staff senate, first-year seminar task force, Wichita Falls Museum of Art accreditation task force and data standards committee. He is serving as the chair of the compliance and ethics committee.
Stovall is a member of several organizations, including the College Business Management Institute and the Texas Society of CPAs.
Trish Choate is the interim editor for the Wichita Falls Times Record News, San Angelo Standard-Times and Abilene Reporter-News. Contact Trish with news tips at tchoate@gannett.com. Read her recent work here. Her X handle is @Trishapedia.
Dean Jeffrey Newcomer to serve as interim deputy provost beginning July 1
Jeffrey Newcomer, Ph.D., dean of the College of Aerospace, Computing, Engineering and Design, will serve in the interim role effective July 1. Deputy Provost Maria Mora is preparing for her new role as provost of Purdue University Northwest. Niesen de Abruña cited Newcomers’ quantitative, budget and analytical thinking skills.
Niesen de Abruña cited Newcomer’s quantitative, budget and analytical thinking skills as well as his experience in faculty affairs in announcing his selection Wednesday. She added that he offers “a fresh perspective from another institution.”
“Dr. Newcomer brings a great deal of experience with him to this position, having served as the chair of the Engineering & Design Department at Western Washington University for 11 years before joining MSU Denver last August,” Niesen de Abruña said.
Newcomer said he is excited to serve in the position, which he says aligns well with his strengths. “I’m looking forward to working closely with Provost Niesen de Abruña, the deans and their budget leads, the AVPs in Academic Affairs and Budget Director (Andrew) Rauch and his staff,” he said. “I hope that I can bring a combination of experience and perspective that will help us improve both our processes and transparency in budgeting.”
Steve Beaty, Ph.D., Computer Sciences chair, will serve as the interim dean of the College of Aerospace, Computing, Engineering and Design effective July 1.
In announcing the interim appointments to the faculty Wednesday, Niesen de Abruña wished Mora well in her new role and thanked her for her work as deputy and interim provost during the past several years.