By Bill O’Donnell, vice chancellor for administrative and fiscal affairs at Indiana University South Bend, will be leaving the university on Dec. 31 for a position in Tyler, Texas.
According to IU South Bend Chancellor Dr. Terry Allison, O’Donnell has accepted a position as vice president of business affairs at The University of Texas at Tyler. He will begin on Feb. 1, 2016.
During his 12 years at IU South Bend, O’Donnell has overseen the university’s facilities management, accounting services, budgeting and human resources.
During his time in South Bend, O’Donnell has been responsible for managing numerous university projects, including construction of the pedestrian bridge, River Crossing student housing, the Elkhart Center, the renovation of the Education and Arts Building, and the demolition of Greenlawn Hall.
“He oversaw many significant projects that have led to IU South Bend being the campus that it is today,” said Allison. “Bill was invaluable to me as chancellor in helping me understand a complicated budget during complicated times. He leaves IU South Bend in solid financial condition.”
In his new position at UT Tyler, O’Donnell will be responsible for management of the university’s facilities, financial services, recruiting efforts and human resources.
UT Tyler is located in East Texas, approximately 100 miles east of Dallas. The university is home to approximately 9,000 students who have come to Tyler from 48 states and more than 150 countries. In the past decade, the university has grown rapidly and completed more than a dozen new construction and remodeling projects.
Currently, UT Tyler has two active building projects, an alumni house and an addition to the university’s fine and performing arts center. Also, UT Tyler is in the early stages of a $76 million construction and remodeling project to house the university’s College of Business and College of Arts & Sciences.
UT Tyler’s enrollment has increased more than 70% over the past 10 years, and that growth has led to the rapid construction, said UT Tyler President Dr. Rodney H. Mabry. As the university continues to grow, continued efficiency in its facilities and financial areas are essential, and
O’Donnell is the ideal candidate to lead those efforts.
“Bill O’Donnell’s experience and devotion to excellence at each of his former positions set him apart from an initial pool of hundreds,” said Mabry. “He is especially experienced in financial affairs, budgeting and construction management. His clear dedication to quality and his evident desire to support the academic mission above all else make him an ideal fit for UT Tyler.
O’Donnell said he is proud of his accomplishments at IU South Bend, but is also looking forward to taking on new challenges.
“During my visit to the University of Texas at Tyler, I was welcomed by friendly people who reflected pride in their institution and true collegiality,” said O’Donnell. “I am proud to be joining such a fine University and I am anxious to make a positive contribution.”
Before coming to IU South Bend, he was in Nevada, first as the Director of Budget and Personnel at the University of Nevada, Reno and then as the Assistant Vice President and Controller at Desert Research Institute in Reno. He is also a former senior auditor at the Office of the Legislative Auditor in Montana.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and management from the University of Montana Missoula and an MBA from the University of Nevada, Reno.
