Powell named new VP for finance, administration 
Henderson State University will welcome Dr. Brett Powell as its vice president for finance and administration Aug. 1.
“With nearly a decade of experience as the chief financial officer in the university setting, Dr. Powell brings proven character and innovative leadership in strategic planning and budgeting to meet strategic goals,” said Henderson State President Glen Jones.
Currently director of the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE), Powell served as vice president for administrative services at Ouachita Baptist University for nine years. He also served as associate vice chancellor for finance with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and director of financial services with the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service. Powell earned his doctoral degree in higher education administration at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
Powell said his position with ADHE allowed him to learn more about colleges and universities throughout the state. When the opportunity with Henderson State arose, he decided to be a part of the strategic vision for the university.
“I have been part of the Arkadelphia community since 2006, and I have come to truly appreciate the mission of Henderson State through my interactions with the leadership,” he added. “Though the work at ADHE has been quite productive and rewarding, there’s a strong draw to being back on a campus and being closer to the purpose of working in higher education.”
Success for a university, Powell said, happens when the institution comprehends the needs of students and aligns resources to meet those needs.
“Institutions improve when mission informs strategic planning and when planning drives budget and finance,” Powell said.
Powell will succeed Bobby Jones, who announced his retirement this spring following more than two decades of service in leadership roles with the university.
“While we will greatly miss Bobby Jones’s experience and institutional knowledge, we are pleased to welcome Dr. Powell and his family to the Henderson community,” President Jones said.