Anne Barnes, senior vice president and chief financial officer for the University of Nebraska system, will provide interim leadership for the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s financial and operational functions.
The appointment, announced in an Aug. 18 email from Chancellor Rodney D. Bennett, follows the departure of Mike Zeleny, vice chancellor for business and finance, who has accepted a new role at the Catholic University of America.
Barnes brings more than 25 years of experience in higher education finance and administration. She joined the NU system in 2022 after serving as the principal business officer for the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. She was appointed to her current role in September 2024 after serving on an interim basis. She also continues to oversee finance, operations and business development for the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
“I am grateful to SVP Barnes for agreeing to assist the University of Nebraska–Lincoln during this critical period as we continue our work to address the structural budget deficit,” Bennett said in the email. “Her leadership will facilitate a seamless transition as we keep pace with important deadlines through the end of the calendar year and ensure our work is well coordinated with the system office.”
A farewell reception for Zeleny will be held 4 to 6 p.m. Aug. 21 at Morrill Hall, with remarks at 5 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public.
