Theresa Ashman has been named associate vice president of financial services for the University of Utah. Ashman will start at the U on Jan. 4, 2021, and replaces Jeffrey West who left the position earlier this year to become Salt Lake Community College’s chief financial officer.

Ashman has extensive experience in higher education having previously served as the U’s controller from 2007-2011 and in various finance positions at the University of Miami and Purdue University. At the University of Miami (2011-2013) she served as associate vice president and controller, and as the executive director for Workday Finance leading a campus-wide, phased implementation of new software for its payroll and finance systems.

Ashman began her career at Purdue University (1992-2006), where she served in a variety of positions, including internal auditor, associate controller and the finance lead for implementation of SAP software. She is currently a director at Huron Consulting Group, where Ashman advises colleges and universities on business process design, payroll, finance and improved service delivery.

“Theresa is a tremendous addition to our finance team and brings valuable experience at a critical time for the university,” said Cathy Anderson, University of Utah chief financial officer. “Despite the pandemic, we continue to see growth in our student enrollment, increases in our research funding, and unprecedented national visibility as a member of the Association of American Universities.”

“In order to continue our upward trajectory, our strategic financial and business planning, as well as our support of the U’s business functions must match the pace of our overall growth. Theresa has a proven success record helping universities navigate dynamic change and I look forward to working closely with her,” said Anderson.

As AVP, Ashman will oversee a team of more than 200 employees in the offices of the controller, purchasing, grants and contracts, accounts payable and receivable, debt management operations and financial analytics, tax services and travel. In FY 2020, the U’s total combined (academic, research and health care system) operating budget was $5.3 billion.

Ashman is a graduate of Purdue University with bachelor’s degrees in both accounting and biology. She earned a master’s degree in business administration from Indiana Wesleyan University and has previously held certified public accountant licenses in Florida, Utah and Indiana.

“The U has grown significantly since my time as controller and I have watched proudly as its national reputation has skyrocketed,” said Ashman. “I look forward to building relationships across campus and supporting the increasingly complex financial and business needs of this outstanding university.”

The U’s full financial report for FY2020 is posted online.