Hannah Named Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, Chief Financial Officer
JONESBORO – Chancellor Todd Shields has appointed veteran Arkansas State University administrator Dr. Russ Hannah vice chancellor for finance and administration and chief financial officer.
“We’re fortunate to have someone with such extensive experience in higher education financial administration and long-standing commitment to A-State to step into this critical role. I look forward to working with Russ,” Dr. Shields commented.
Hannah came to Arkansas State in 1991 as the university’s treasurer and subsequently served as controller and in a number of senior financial roles including chief financial officer beginning in 2021.
Additionally, he has served as an adjunct instructor in higher education finance and law, public financial management and budgeting, and accounting.
“Higher education and A-State have significant challenges, but, more importantly, many exciting opportunities and possibilities. I look forward to working with Chancellor Shields, Provost White, the campus executive leadership and their teams, and my finance and administration colleagues to develop a long-term, comprehensive financial strategy for the university, strengthen and expand our financial performance, and ensure a sustainable future for A-State,” said Hannah.
Hannah holds undergraduate degrees in accounting and management, a Master of Business Administration, and a Doctorate of Education in educational leadership, all from Arkansas State.
He is a Certified Public Accountant, a Charted Global Management Accountant, a Certified Government Financial Manager, a graduate of the Higher Education Management Institute at Vanderbilt University and the Institute for Educational Management at Harvard University, and holds an Executive Certificate in Public Leadership from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.
He is the chair of the Board of the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO), past president of the Southern Association of College and University Business Officers (SACUBO), and past chair of the board of the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Hannah serves on the boards of Jonesboro City Water and Light, Success Federal Credit Union, the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance, and Methodist Family Health System. He was recognized as the 2023 CFO of the Year in the Public Sector/Education category by Arkansas Business.
Hannah’s appointment is effective July 16.
