Tom Ayers to leave Huntington University
FOR RELEASE: Wednesday, May 23, 2012
HUNTINGTON, Ind. Thomas W. Ayers, Huntington University's chief financial officer, will leave his post in July to become vice president for administration and business at Kettering University in Flint, Michigan. "This is an outstanding professional opportunity for Tom, fitting well with his love of science and his background in physics," said Dr. G. Blair Dowden, president of Huntington University. "But Kettering's gain is Huntington's loss. Tom has had profound impact on our campus community, and we will miss him greatly."
Dowden noted that Ayers' service at Huntington has been a significant period of growth and expansion for the four-year Christian college. Since 1995, Huntington's enrollment has risen from 726 to 1,262 and many new programs and services have been launched.
During his 17 years at the university, Ayers managed a balanced budget and guided endowment investments toward a diversified portfolio. He participated in two revisions to Huntington's facility master plan and led several campus improvements, including the development of the perimeter road and the installation of a fiber optic backbone and wireless technology. He oversaw renovations of Becker Hall and the Loew-Brenn Center as well as the construction of five new campus buildings, including the Science Hall, Studio Art Center and three student residences. He was instrumental in developing strategic partnerships with the Huntington YMCA and Star 88.3-FM, and in launching Huntington's innovative Loan Repayment Program.
"Tom has had tremendous impact on Huntington University. He has been an incredible colleague and a friend for many years, and I will deeply miss working with him on a daily basis," Dowden said.
Dowden is currently reviewing succession plans with faculty, staff and trustees. These plans will be announced in coming weeks.
Ayers joined the executive leadership of Huntington University (then Huntington College) in 1995. He currently serves as Huntington's executive vice president for operations and treasurer. In this role, he has had responsibility for business and accounting services, human relations, auxiliary services, physical plant, technology services and conference services. He also led annual budgeting processes and the management of endowment investments.
Ayers' career in higher education spans more than 30 years, including positions in financial aid, business and auxiliary services, and human resources. Prior to coming to Huntington, he served as business manager and director of personnel at Earlham College for 10 years. He has presented at various conferences on the topics of endowment management, campus master planning, campus relationships with CFO's, and the impact of facilities on recruitment and marketing.
Ayers holds a BA degree in physics from Taylor University, a MA degree in student personnel administration from Ball State University, and a MBA degree also from Ball State University.
Kettering University, formerly General Motors Institute, enrolls approximately 1,800 undergraduates and 400 graduate students in engineering, manufacturing operations, applied sciences, business management and information technology.
.png?w=472&h=472&fit=crop-center)