Chris Rhynerson named associate vice president of finance
Chris Rhynerson assumed his duties as the associate vice president of finance effective December 3, 2012. He comes to Upper Iowa with a long-standing track record of successful leadership in the academic and administrative areas of both public and private institutions.
In Rhynerson's previous position as the director for resource planning & budget at Webster University, St. Louis, Mo., he was responsible for the long term financial plans of the institution. Rhynerson was responsible for establishing the first multi-year strategic planning process that carried the university out to the year 2020. From this collaborative and successful process the university adopted an annual institutional planning and resource allocation process that was visible and engaging to all constituencies. As a key member of the leadership team, Rhynerson has worked on and led many committees that assessed and improved institutional performance and ultimately enhanced the student experience. Managing these university-wide processes afforded Rhynerson the ability to work in every major environment, and gain an even stronger understanding of what it takes to make a university successful in the ever shifting landscape of higher education.
During his tenure at Western Kentucky University (WKU), Bowling Green, Ky., he was responsible for establishing the financial framework that would guide the WKU Division of Extended Learning & Outreach, which managed the extended campuses, summer and winter terms, and online operations. In concert with the academic deans, this division proved to be a key asset in providing new faculty and financial resources for WKU.
While at Saint Louis University (SLU), Rhynerson managed the finances for the Division of Student Development, which included the housing and dining operations, student health services, the recreational complex, student union, and custodial services.
Rhynerson earned his bachelor's degree from SLU, master's of science degree in business administration from WKU. He is completing his doctorate degree in educational leadership at SLU.