White to Fill Role as Interim Associate Vice Chancellor for Business Affairs

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Michael W. White

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Michael W. White, who has served for 16 years as associate controller in the University of Arkansas office of financial affairs, has been named interim associate vice chancellor for business affairs, effective Aug. 1.

White will replace David Martinson, who is retiring at the end of the month. White will hold the interim position until June 30, 2015, or until a permanent replacement is found. A search committee is currently conducting a national search for this position.

“Michael White has earned the respect of his colleagues during his time in financial affairs,” said Tim O’Donnell, interim vice chancellor for financial affairs. “I’m certain he will provide the leadership we need in the business affairs office during this transitional period.”

As associate controller his primary duties have included oversight of the university’s fixed assets, long-term debt and the financial management of capital projects. He has been, and will continue to be, integrally involved in the preparation of the university’s annual financial report.

As interim associate vice chancellor he plans to be an advocate for the office and its various divisions.

“There are a lot of good people with a wealth of skills and experience who work in business affairs and all of the areas that report to it,” White said. “I plan to allow them to continue to do their jobs in the professional manner in which they have always done them. I think my main role is to maintain the good working relationships that have been built between Business Affairs and the campus as a whole.”

White grew up in Dardanelle and earned a degree in accounting from Arkansas Tech University. He worked for 12 years with the Arkansas Division of Legislative Audit, where he conducted audits of state agencies, cities, counties, public school districts, education service cooperatives and institutions of higher education, including the University of Arkansas.