The University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s national search for its next vice chancellor for Business and Finance continues with a fourth finalist interview on Oct. 13.
The next candidate is Matthew A. Skinner, senior associate vice president and deputy chief financial officer at Washington State University. He will be on campus Oct. 13.
A complete overview of the search and details about each finalist are available here.
Skinner has 19 years of higher education experience in budget, planning, finance and accounting functions. He joined the university as a 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 chief financial officer in creating and implementing strategic financial and facilities plans for the Washington State University system. He also supports and advises all aspects of the university’s finance and administrative portfolio, leading a team of seven direct reports and 150 professionals.
He has successfully led campus efforts to develop an integrated forecast and financial plan to overcome revenue losses related to the COVID-19 pandemic; led the deployment of Workday, a system that supports finance, human resources, payroll and post-award grants management; and assisted with the development of a plan to balance Washington State’s athletics operating budget.
Skinner, who is a certified public accountant, earned Bachelor of Science (business) from the University of Idaho in 2000, and a Master of Business Administration from Washington State in 2007.
A complete curriculum vitae for Skinner is available for review here. An evaluation form for Skinner’s candidacy 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 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 leads operational activities related to the university’s physical facilities and grounds, sites across Nebraska, university police, parking and transit services, human resources, and other business services.
The position serves on 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. A search advisory committee led by Richard Moberly, dean of the College of Law, assisted with the search. The committee, which featured student, faculty, staff and greater-Lincoln community representation, includes:
- Marco Barker, vice chancellor for diversity and inclusion;
- Ken Bloom, faculty associate to the chancellor for budget model implementation and chair/professor of physics and astronomy;
- Jacob Drake, president, Association of Students of the University of Nebraska;
- Chris Kabourek, vice president and chief financial officer, NU system
- Kelli Kopocis, president-elect, Faculty Senate, and assistant professor of architectural engineering and 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 adviser, portfolio manager, D.A. Davidson and Co.; and
- Becky Zavala, assistant vice chancellor, research and economic development.
Complete details about the search are available here.
