To the University Community:

I am pleased to announce that Doug Dawes has accepted the position of Vice President for Administration and Finance.  Doug has served in the interim position since last July, and he has been responsible for Facilities Management, Financial and Student Financial Services, Contracts and Procurement, Risk Management, University Police, Payroll, University Budget, and the University Center.  Doug has shown confidence and compassion in his leadership during the past nine months, especially in working to reduce the University’s budget deficit. 

Doug brings a wealth of experience from both the public and private sectors.  He previously served as a vice president in the California State University system at Stanislaus State University, where his accomplishments included working with a private developer for new student housing and assisting with a $52-million project to renovate and expand the Student Union to serve the next generation of students. He has also held leadership positions at Valley City State University (North Dakota) and Utah State University.  His business experience includes financial responsibility in the construction, energy, and automotive industries. This combination of experiences and background has already served HSU well, especially his knowledge of processes and people in the CSU.

Many of Doug’s references spoke glowingly about his appreciation for the academic mission of the university, his collaborative problem-solving skills, and his collegiality. His colleagues from other institutions particularly noted their appreciation of his forthrightness, openness, and integrity.  He earned bachelor's and master's degrees in accounting from Brigham Young University.  Doug and his wife Sherith, who is a nurse, have five children ranging in age from 10 to 20. 

I’d like to thank the faculty, staff, and administrators who served on the search committee for this position.  We had highly qualified finalists, and I am grateful for the thoroughness with which this search was conducted.

Please join me in congratulating Doug on this appointment.

Lisa A. Rossbacher, Ph.D. 
President