TTU to welcome new Vice President for Business on July 1

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. (June 19, 2006) – The beginning of next month marks more than just the start of a new fiscal year at Tennessee Tech University. It’s also the date the university will welcome its new Vice President for Business and Fiscal Affairs.

Claire Stinson will assume her role in that position at TTU on July 1, and she says she’s excited about the opportunity.

“TTU has a fantastic reputation for quality. It’s obvious in the campus atmosphere and attitudes of its employees, and I believe it will be an ideal place to work,” she said.

Stinson is currently serving as Vice President for Business Affairs at Northeast State Community College in Blountville, Tenn., a position she’s held for six years.

In that role, her areas of leadership and responsibility include general and grants accounting, budgeting, managing the finances of the educational foundation, purchasing and overseeing capital projects, human resources, financial aid, and auxiliary services, including food services and bookstore.

Other posts Stinson has held at Northeast State include business manager and director of accounting.

She’s also a certified public accountant who has worked with the Baylor and Backus agency in Johnson City.

But higher education is her true interest. “My experiences at Northeast State have provided me with a broad perspective on current issues facing higher education and an understanding and appreciation of the changes that are occurring in the higher education industry,” Stinson said.

She said she also feels fortunate to be able to transition her career from a two-year to four-year institution without having to consider leaving the Tennessee Board of Regents system.

“Possibly the greatest challenge facing every TBR institution is being able to continue providing quality programs in spite of financial limits and budget constraints, but that’s something I’m already familiar with,” she said.

“ I’m anxious to begin working with the staff at TTU, to see what new ideas we can come up with together for finding alternative resources.”

Another of her anticipated strengths, she said, will be her ability to emphasize the link between the university’s long-term strategic plan and its finances.

Stinson earned an A.A.S. in accounting from Southwest Virginia Community College, a B.S. in business administration with a concentration in accounting from the University of Virginia's College at Wise, an M.Acc. from East Tennessee State University, and an Ed.D. in educational leadership from ETSU.

Some of her personal interests include hiking, reading, flower gardening and yard work.

She has a 22-year-old daughter, Heather, who lives in Delaware.

--Tracey LeFevre
This information posted 19 June 2006