RICHMOND, Ky. — Effective Feb. 1, former Murray State University Vice President of Finance and Administration Jackie Dudley will serve as interim chief financial officer and vice president for finance at Eastern Kentucky University, according to an email EKU President David McFaddin sent to stakeholders this morning.
Following a four-decade career at Murray State that included oversight of financial operations and multiple administrative divisions, Dudley announced her retirement at a special called Board of Regents meeting in July.
“I am confident that our finance team, under Jackie’s leadership, will maintain continuity in all financial operations and reporting during this period of change,” McFaddin wrote. “We are lucky to bring someone with such extensive experience and a proven track record of positive results to lead through this change. I have personally worked with and observed her outstanding leadership for nearly 15 years.”
According to the email, Brian Mullins is stepping down from the CFO position to return to the private sector. McFaddin expressed gratitude for Mullins’ willingness to take on the role on an interim basis in 2024, following a failed national search for a permanent CFO.
“Brian’s tenure at EKU was marked by a deep sense of collaboration and fiscal responsibility,” McFaddin added. “We wish him the very best in his future endeavors.”
McFaddin noted that the university’s current associate vice president for finance will manage the CFO’s responsibilities between now and Dudley’s start date.
Dudley will be given her first 90 days to assess general operations and staffing within the finance division, McFaddin explained, adding, “I would then ask that a formal recommendation be given after 120 days concerning the operations of the unit and the search for a permanent Chief Financial Officer and Vice President for Finance.”
McFaddin also advised that he plans to recommend Dudley when EKU’s Board of Regents appoints a new treasurer on Feb. 25.
Dudley is not the only former Murray State administrator to recently move to Eastern Kentucky University. Jordan Smith resigned as MSU’s assistant vice president of public affairs in August to take the same position at EKU.
