Arkansas Tech University President Dr. Robin E. Bowen has announced the selection of Walter J. Branson as ATU interim vice president for administration and finance.
Branson has 26 years of experience as chief financial officer at institutions of higher learning. He comes to ATU from The Registry, a service that provides short-term leaders for colleges and universities.
“We are pleased to welcome Mr. Branson to Arkansas Tech University,” said Bowen. “The coming year will present multiple challenges and opportunities as we work together to mitigate and recover from the effects of COVID-19. Mr. Branson will be an important member of our executive council as we navigate the 2020-21 fiscal year and position ATU for continued success in fulfilling its mission of student access and student success.”
Branson, who holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Purdue University (Ind.), began his higher education career by working in a number of fiscal affairs roles at his alma mater from 1978-93.
He was vice chancellor for financial affairs at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne from 1993-2013, vice chancellor for finance and administration at Missouri University of Science and Technology from 2013-17 and vice president for finance and operations at Wright State University (Ohio) from 2017-19.
Branson succeeds Bernadette Hinkle, who resigned as ATU vice president for administration and finance effective July 1, 2020.
The search for an individual to fill the ATU vice president for administration and finance position on a permanent basis is scheduled to commence during the spring 2021 semester.
