The University of Tennessee Southern (UT Southern) is seeking nominations and applications for the appointment of the Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration (VCFA). The University is seeking a visionary and growth-oriented vice chancellor to lead institutional strategy, financial planning, and operational excellence. The VCFA reports directly to the newly named Chancellor, Dr. Melinda Arnold, and will be a key member of the senior leadership team. This position offers the opportunity to play a defining role in shaping the future of the University in a period of growth and transformation.
UT Southern is the University of Tennessee System’s newest as well as its smallest University. Acquired in 2021, UT Southern was formerly known as Martin Methodist College. Located in the charming town of Pulaski, Tennessee, UT Southern is uniquely positioned for growth along the expanding Interstate 65 corridor. UT Southern enrolls over 1,000 students and offers nearly forty degree opportunities at the undergraduate and master’s levels. This new leader will oversee a broad range of operational and financial units across campus, including the management of all business and financial functions, such as accounting, financial modeling, and internal controls. The VCFA will also act as the chief budget officer for the campus. In addition, human resources, information technology, facilities management, security, and campus operations will also report to this role.
The ideal candidate must be willing to support the ongoing efforts and implementation of UT Southern’s ambitious inaugural strategic plan, Igniting Excellence. This plan is a vision that will guide the University toward a future of purposeful growth, positive transformation, and student success. The successful candidate will possess a bachelor’s degree (master’s degree preferred) in accounting, business administration, finance, management, or a related field, and have at least five years of progressive leadership experience in financial management, strategic planning, and operational oversight. The next leader will also have demonstrated experience managing financial models, large-scale budgets, and data-informed decision-making processes.
UT Southern is searching for a collaborative, hands-on, inspirational leader and problem solver who is transparent, instructive, and inclusive in the budgeting process. The successful candidate should have an understanding of working within a supportive University system and be adept at developing policies and procedures at the campus level. The new VCFA is expected to be visible and engaged throughout campus and the community.
All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile.
WittKieffer is assisting University of Tennessee Southern in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by September 15, 2025.
Application materials should be submitted through WittKieffer’s candidate portal using the buttons below.
Nominations and inquiries can be directed to: