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Ferris Hires VP for Administration and Finance

Jerry ScobyBIG RAPIDS – Jerry Scoby, vice president for Finance and Administration and treasurer for Alma College, has been named the vice president for Administration and Finance at Ferris State University.

Scoby, who was among three finalists in a national search, will start his new job April 6. He replaces Interim Vice President for Administration and Finance Rick Christner, who has held the position since Richard P. Duffett’s retirement last June.

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to serve Ferris in this capacity,” said Scoby. “As I studied and learned more about Ferris in the search process, I was impressed with the people I met, the programs offered to prepare students for careers and the placement rates in some of the programs,” he added. He also indicated he is looking forward to contributing to the leadership team in providing the best possible programs and services for students, faculty and staff.

Since joining Alma College in 1998, Scoby has overseen a $50 million operating budget and long-term fiscal and capital planning, including the construction of a student recreation center and student apartments. His areas of responsibility have included personnel, conferences, physical plant, purchasing, payroll, accounting, short-term and endowment investments, operating and capital budgeting, dining, bookstore, printing, mail room, and insurance and risk management. During part of his tenure, he also led financial aid, information technology and the medical center.

“We are delighted to have a person of Jerry’s ability and experience on board with us at Ferris State University,” said Ferris President David Eisler. “He brings more than 30 years of experience in higher education administration and finance at two Michigan colleges and universities to Ferris.”

The Central Michigan University graduate began his career in higher education at CMU, where he served in a series of positions of increasing responsibility during his 22 years there, including director of Business Services and assistant vice president for Business Affairs. He also taught a finance course for business majors and minors. While there, he oversaw a $200 million operating budget; led staff employment, compensation and staff employee relations with five unionized employee groups, professional development and student employment; and was the university’s governmental relations officer for two different one-year periods.

Scoby earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration and a specialist degree in education administration from CMU. He has also attended Stanford University’s Senior Business Management Institute and Harvard Law School’s program on negotiations for senior executives. He is an active member of the National and Central Associations of College and University Business Officers.

Outside of his extensive university committee work, Scoby volunteers in his community for the United Way, Gratiot Area Community Foundation, Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Greater Gratiot Development Corporation Board, Mt. Pleasant Chamber of Commerce and Alma-St. Louis Rotary Club. He also has coached youth softball, baseball, basketball and soccer, and is active in his church.

Scoby and his wife, Glad, live in Mount Pleasant and are planning to relocate to Big Rapids.