Business Affairs VP Announced
February 5, 2016
UT Tyler Office of Marketing and Communications
UT Tyler Announces New Vice President for Business Affairs
February 5, 2016
Media Contact: Hannah Buchanan
Editor/Writer–Strategic Communications & Media Relations
Marketing and Communications
The University of Texas at Tyler
903.539.7196 (cell)
Bill O'Donnell has been named the next vice president for business affairs at The University of Texas at Tyler effective Feb. 1, President Rodney H. Mabry announced.
O'Donnell most recently served as vice chancellor for administrative and fiscal affairs at Indiana University – South Bend. At UT Tyler, O'Donnell is responsible for management of the university's facilities, financial services, recruiting efforts and human resources.
"Bill O'Donnell's experience and devotion to excellence at each of his former positions set him apart from an initial pool of hundreds," said President Mabry. "He is especially experienced in financial affairs, budgeting and construction management. His clear dedication to quality and his evident desire to support the academic mission above all else make him an ideal fit for UT Tyler."
During his 12 years at IU South Bend, O'Donnell oversaw facilities management, accounting services, budgeting and human resources. O'Donnell also was responsible for managing numerous university projects, including construction of the pedestrian bridge, River Crossing student housing, the Elkhart Center, the renovation of the Education and Arts Building and the demolition of Greenlawn Hall.
O'Donnell said he is proud of his accomplishments at IU South Bend, but is also looking forward to taking on new challenges.
"During my visit to The University of Texas at Tyler, I was welcomed by friendly people who reflected pride in their institution and true collegiality," said O'Donnell. "I am proud to be joining such a fine university, and I am anxious to make a positive contribution."
UT Tyler currently is moving forward with the construction of an alumni house, and the university most recently finished the Center for the Musical Arts, which is an addition to the R. Don Cowan Fine and Performing Arts Center. UT Tyler also is in the early stages of a $76 million construction and remodeling project to house the Colleges of Business and Technology and Arts and Sciences.
UT Tyler's enrollment has increased more than 70 percent over the past 10 years, and that growth has led to rapid construction, President Mabry said. As the university continues to grow, continued efficiency in its facilities and financial areas are essential, and O'Donnell is the ideal candidate to lead those efforts, he added.
Before serving IU South Bend, O'Donnell was in Nevada – first as the director of budget and personnel at the University of Nevada – Reno and then as the assistant vice president and controller at Desert Research Institute in Reno. He also is a former senior auditor at the Office of the Legislative Auditor in Montana.
O'Donnell holds a bachelor's degree in accounting and management from the University of Montana – Missoula and a master of business administration from the University of Nevada – Reno.
One of the 14 campuses of the UT System, UT Tyler features excellence in teaching, research, artistic performance and community service. More than 80 undergraduate and graduate degrees are available at UT Tyler, which has an enrollment of more than 8,500 high-ability students. UT Tyler offers courses at its campuses in Tyler, Longview and Palestine as well as a location in Houston.