Career Conversations NACUBO

Greg Argueta, associate vice president for accounting and financial reporting at the University of Texas at Dallas, reflects on his accidental career journey from finance to higher education leadership. Despite originally thinking his move was temporary, the mission of higher education resonated with him over time.
 
He shares how embracing new opportunities, like leading an ERP implementation, allowed him to grow into more responsibilities. Greg also discusses adjusting to higher education's complexity compared to his previous finance work.
 
Two crucial lessons Greg learned were the importance of effective communication and preserving trust. He advises actively seeking opportunities rather than waiting passively for career growth.
Discover Greg's perspective on developing resilience and leadership philosophy through both successes and mistakes. Higher education professionals and those exploring new career paths will appreciate his insight on an evolving career path in a dynamic field.
 
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Orkun Toros, associate vice president and chief business officer at The University of Texas at Dallas, shares valuable perspectives from his 18-year career in higher education finance. Starting as a graduate assistant, Toros worked his way up to executive leadership roles across multiple Texas institutions. He offers unique insights on improving processes, leading teams, and adopting new technologies like AI.
 
Key Points:
Passionate about the mission of keeping resources in the classroom Values authentic, trusting relationships with teams Encourages creating environments where people can thrive Emphasizes being curious and fearless in exploring initiatives Cautions not to focus overly on results over people Optimistic about AI's potential to enhance finance processes Stresses the importance of celebrating successes Toros has built an impressive higher ed finance career by embracing new initiatives and valuing people. His story highlights the power of curiosity, collaboration, and maintaining perspective on what matters most. Toros encourages leaders to stay grounded in mission and purpose.
 
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Amanda Malone, director of budget and HR at Auburn University, shares insightful perspectives from her long career in higher education administration and accounting. With experience spanning over 15 years at Auburn, Amanda provides unique insight on leading change initiatives, supporting faculty, and maintaining work-life balance.
 
Key Points:
Believes in collaborating with stakeholders during change Values gathering information by observing leaders Says be fully present and keep a "human touch" Encourages embracing new opportunities regularly Advises clearly setting expectations you can meet Passionate about supporting faculty research Views higher ed through an accounting lens Committed to continual formal and informal learning Amanda's career demonstrates an admirable commitment to continual learning while compassionately leading change. Her story highlights the importance of collaboration, presence, balance, and maintaining a "human touch" in higher education leadership. Amanda encourages staying grounded personally and professionally while also embracing new opportunities.
 
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Charmel Maynard, 2023 recipient of NACUBO’s Rodney H. Adams Endowment Award, took a leap of faith to leave banking behind and follow a mentor into university investments. In this episode, Charmel shares how he transitioned to higher education and offers advice on leadership, learning, and team building.
 
Key Points:
Believes in taking smart career risks and not fearing failure Leads with a passion for accountability and ownership Values open collaboration with university investment peers Emphasizes the importance of asking questions Manages by empowering team members' passions Creates diverse teams to encourage new perspectives Honored for excellence in endowment management Charmel Maynard has built an impressive career as a university investment leader at an institution that continues to reach key milestones. His story demonstrates the power of taking risks, embracing mentors, and always learning. Charmel encourages listeners to pursue their passions while building strong teams.
 
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Anne Santos, assistant dean for finance and administration at Rice University's Glasscock School of Continuing Studies, took an unconventional path to her role. With a background in hospitality and small business, Anne shares how she transitioned industries and offers advice on pursuing your passions.

 
Key Points:
Transitioned from hospitality/small business to higher ed Admires the role of continuing education communities Sees similarities in serving others Diverse campus was a pleasant surprise Learned about university endowments Encourages trying higher ed to make an impact Shares rewards of student success stories Values networking and informational interviews Anne Santos has built a fulfilling career in higher education administration. Her story demonstrates the power of curiosity and openness to new paths. Anne encourages listeners to pursue their passions and never be the first one to tell themselves ‘no’.
 
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NACUBO’s Christine Simone interviews Rick Wernoski, the associate vice chancellor for operational excellence at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
 
Key Points:
30+ years in higher ed, started as budget analyst and moved up to leadership Passionate about transforming students' lives through academics and research Recent success creating a K-2 school that boosted literacy and math scores Learned to challenge processes, not just do things because "that's how it was always done" Great mentors pushed new ideas, best practices, and supported failures Pays it forward mentoring others with honesty, integrity, and trust Says "yes" to new opportunities like teaching and committees Leadership lesson –ensure all voices are at the table and listen first Overall, Rick emphasizes being open to new experiences outside your comfort zone for growth. His career shows the rewards of starting small in higher ed administration and working your way up over decades.
 
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Check out NACUBO’s other podcasts! CBO Speaks NACUBO in Brief