The University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s national search for its next Vice Chancellor of Business and Finance continues with a fourth finalist interview on Oct. 13.
The next nominee is Matthew A. Skinner, senior associate vice president and assistant chief financial officer at Washington State University. He will be on campus on October 13.
A full overview of the search and details about each finalist are available here.
Skinner has 19 years of experience in higher education in budget, planning, finance and accounting roles. He joined the university as budget officer in 2003 and has continued to be recognized with increasing leadership responsibilities.
Duties in his current role include serving as second-in-command to the CFO in creating and implementing strategic financial and facilities plans for the Washington State University system. He also supports and advises on all aspects of the university’s financial and administrative portfolio, leading a team of seven direct reports and 150 professionals.
He has successfully led campus efforts to develop an integrated financial forecast and plan to overcome revenue losses related to the covid-19 pandemic; led the rollout of Workday, a system that supports post-award finance, HR, payroll and grant management; and assisted in the development of a plan to balance Washington State’s athletics operating budget.
Skinner, who is a CPA, earned a Bachelor of Science (Business) from the University of Idaho in 2000 and a Master of Business Administration from Washington State in 2007.
A full CV of Skinner is available for review here. A Skinner candidacy evaluation form is available here.
Nebraska’s vice chancellor for business and finance is the university’s senior business officer and reports to the chancellor. The position is responsible for the oversight and administration of the university’s $1.2 billion operating budget, all financial and administrative services and following university policies as well as state and federal laws.
The vice chancellor directs operational activities related to the university’s physical facilities and grounds, Nebraska sites, university police, parking and traffic services, human resources, and other business services.
The post forms part of the Chancellor’s Executive Leadership Team and is a member of the Chancellor’s Extended Cabinet. Learn more about the position and duties.
Skinner and the other finalists were selected through a national search. An advisory search committee led by Richard Moberly, dean of the School of Law, assisted in the search. The committee, which had representation from students, faculty, staff and the Lincoln community, includes:
- Marco Barker, vice chancellor for diversity and inclusion;
- Ken Bloom, Associate Professor of Budget Model Implementation and Chair/Professor of Physics and Astronomy;
- University of Nebraska Student Association President Jacob Drake;
- Chris Kabourek, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, NO system
- Kelli Kopocis, president-elect of the Faculty Senate and assistant professor of engineering and architectural construction;
- Mary LaGrange, Interim Vice Chancellor for Business and Finance;
- Ann Powers, research technician, agronomy and horticulture;
- Hassan Ramzah, Assistant Vice-Chancellor, Chief of Police;
- Tyrell Ross, Director of Finance and Budget, College of Business
- Lisa Smith, Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor, Portfolio Manager, yes Davidson and Co.; i
- Becky Zavala, Assistant Vice Chancellor, Research and Economic Development.
Full details about the search are available here.
