Business Office Reset

Ryan Downs, Director of Institutional Research at Mount Vernon Nazarene University, and Krissta Hadsell outline their shared approach to collecting the data needed for the ACTS Section of the IPEDS reporting, backfilling other duties to make space for that, and cross-campus collaboration through the process.

Ryan can be reached at [email protected]
Krissta can be reached at [email protected]

Jessica Ryals and Scott Spear review articles highlighted in the 1/20/26 CFO Colleague newsletter, highlighting higher education trends from varying perspectives. 

Articles Referenced:
 https://universitybusiness.com/here-are-5-higher-ed-predictions-for-2026/

https://www.highereddive.com/news/6-higher-education-trends-to-watch-in-2026/809045/

https://www.brookings.edu/articles/what-college-affordability-debates-get-wrong-on-the-returns-to-college/

Join Jessica Ryals and Scott Spear as they review the first CFO Colleague newsletter articles of 2026, centered around value proposition in higher education.

To subscribe to the newsletter, click here: https://cfocolleague.com/free-resources/

Articles referenced in our talk:

First Article:
https://universitybusiness.com/introducing-impact-how-higher-ed-can-win-the-value-battle/

Second Article:
https://www.highereddive.com/news/7-in-10-employers-have-high-confidence-in-higher-ed-survey-finds/807607/

Third Article:
https://universitybusiness.com/how-academic-programs-can-attract-right-fit-students-in-todays-competitive-environment/

#highereducation #higheredfinance #businessoffice

Gabby Parker shares her journey into the world of higher education finance and how her personal experience at the Institute for G.O.D. fueled her passion for the organization's mission. She details the financial hurdles faced by G.O.D. and the Institute, particularly the decline in charitable giving post-COVID.

To combat these challenges, the organization has leaned into an entrepreneurial spirit, developing revenue-generating services and the ProDev program, which provides students with professional experience and scholarships through business partnerships. Gabby also highlights the strategic benefits of outsourcing operations and the development of custom internal systems—including a highly detailed budgeting spreadsheet and a specialized CRM called GrowthOps—to maintain efficiency and financial health without relying on federal funding.

To get in touch with Gabby and continue the conversation, here's her contact info::

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: genovationsaccounting.com

Tony Stemen of Talent Growth Partners talks about his career journey and intersections with higher education, his top tips for recruiting new team members well, and his expertise in threading the needle of what colleges and professionals both want.

Tony's contact info:

Tony Stemen
Talent Growth Partners
Direct: 740-358-2509
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.talentgrowthpartners.com

Ryan Downs talks all things Financial Aid, and offers tips for Directors and counselors alike to provide the best service to our students.

Ryan Downs talks through the current FinAid environment (recorded prior to OBBB passage but still relevant!) and ways for departments to get ahead of the curve.

The auditor relationship is likely the most critical contractor relationship for the Business Office. Jackson Magdy from Forvis Mazars and Scott Spear from CFO Colleague talk about building a great working relationship between client and auditor. From navigating complex transactions to maintaining open lines of communication, Jackson and Scott describe what they've learned working together and ways it can help Business Offices thrive across higher education.

Dave Moja talks us through Form 990 trouble spots, what's going on with the IRS, and the One Big Beautiful Bill: what looks good for higher ed (a little) and what looks hard (a LOT)!

Suahil Housholder of Anderson (IN) talks about life after a missed debt covenant, her research with leadership in distressed institutions, and her team's tradition of "Audit Treats" to get through what could be the toughest time of year with a little fun and whimsy.