Hannah Named Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, CFO

JONESBORO – Chancellor Todd Shields has appointed Dr. Russ Hannah, a longtime administrator at Arkansas State University (A-State), as vice chancellor for finance and administration and CFO of the university.

“We are fortunate to have someone with extensive experience in higher education financial management and a long-standing commitment to A-State to take on this important role. I look forward to working with Russ,” Dr. Shields remarked.

Hannah joined Arkansas State University in 1991 as the university's treasurer and later served as controller, holding several senior finance roles including chief financial officer starting in 2021.

In addition, he is an adjunct faculty member teaching higher education finance and law, public financial management and budgeting, and accounting.

“Higher education and A-State face significant challenges, but more importantly, there are many exciting opportunities and possibilities. I look forward to working with Chancellor Shields, President White, the university's executive leadership and their team, as well as my finance and administration colleagues, to develop a comprehensive, long-term financial strategy for the university, strengthen and expand our financial performance, and ensure a sustainable future for A-State,” Hannah said.

Hannah holds an undergraduate degree in accounting and management, a Master of Business Administration, and a Doctor of Education in educational leadership, all from Arkansas State University.

He is a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Global Management Accountant, and Certified Government Financial Manager, and is a graduate of the Institute for Educational Management 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 serves as chair of the Board of Directors of the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO), is a past president of the Southern Association of College and University Business Officers (SACUBO), and a past chairman of the board of the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Hannah serves on the boards of the Jonesboro City Water and Light organization, Success Federal Credit Union, the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance, and Methodist Family Health System. He was recognized by Arkansas Business as 2023 CFO of the Year in the Public Sector/Education category.

Hannah's appointment is effective July 16.