Dr. Keith Carver, chancellor of UTM, has announced the selection of Petra Rencher McPhearson as the university’s vice chancellor for finance and administration, effective April 9.
“Petra has been doing a wonderful job as interim vice chancellor, and I am confident she will continue to keep the division of finance and administration running smoothly for years to come,” said Carver.
McPhearson has filled the position in an interim capacity since January 2016 and was one of four finalists to participate in recent open-forum campus discussions. She began working for UTM in 2011 and previously served as both interim director and director of budget and management reporting. She held several positions with the UT Health Science Center in Memphis and Bethel University in McKenzie before coming to Martin.
McPhearson holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Alcorn State University in Lorman, Mississippi, and a master’s degree in operations management from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
The vice chancellor for finance and administration also serves as the university’s chief business officer and is a member of the chancellor’s leadership team. This position oversees the areas of budget and management reporting, business services, the bursar’s office, human resources, physical plant administration, public safety, contracts, the university bookstore, environmental health and safety, and emergency management.
Dr. Lynn Alexander, dean of the UTM College of Humanities and Fine Arts, served as search committee chairperson for this position. Other committee members were:
• Amy Belew, interim chief information officer, Office of Information Technology
• Bill Brundige, human resources specialist, Office of Human Resources
• Phyllis Hammer, administrative support assistant, Department of Public Safety, representing the Employee Relations Council
• Dr. Renee LaFleur, associate professor, Department of History and Philosophy, representing the Faculty Senate
• Dr. Jamie Mantooth, executive director, Office of Enrollment Services and Student Engagement
• Gina McClure, assistant vice chancellor for student and residential life, Office of Student Life
• Dr. Desiree McCullough, director, Office of Institutional Research
• Kurt McGuffin, director, Office of Intercollegiate Athletics
• Tim Nipp, director, UT Martin Physical Plant
• Dr. Simpfronia Taylor, director, UT Martin Ripley Center
• Holly Seng, a junior communications major from Union City and representative of the Student Government Association
Ashlie Czyz, director of human resources programs and executive recruiter for the University of Tennessee System, served as executive recruiter.
