Bordelon to Step Down After Nearly Six Years Leading Finance and Administration

Ann Bordelon will be stepping down soon from her position as executive vice chancellor for finance and administration for a similar position at a private institution in Northwest Arkansas.  

“Ann has been a valued member of our leadership team for almost six years now, helping oversee countless efforts that support the success of our students, faculty and staff including significant investments in research, academic and other key infrastructure projects,” Chancellor Charles Robinson said. “There’s no doubt that she has served her alma mater well.”  

Bordelon, who joined the U of A in July 2020, led key campuswide services including, finance, human resources, information technology, facilities, parking and transit, public safety, and risk management among others. She also stood up a data analytics and insights function that supports the strategic decision making of campus leaders.  She also helped the university overcome the challenges associated with the covid-19 pandemic, and guided investments of over $250 million in research facilities since 2021.   

“The University of Arkansas is not only where I've had the privilege to serve, it's where my own journey began,” Bordelon said. “As an alumna, this institution has shaped both my career and my commitment to this region. I’m proud of the team I've built and developed.  They are committed to service of campus, and they are set up for success.” 

“I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such dedicated colleagues, but especially Chancellor Robinson, whose partnership and trust is more than I could have hoped for,” Bordelon added. “I’ve learned a lot under his leadership that I will take into the rest of my life.  I will always be proud to be part of the Razorback community and look forward to finding exciting ways to collaborate in my next role.” 

Before joining the university, Bordelon served in multiple finance roles including a nearly 13-year stint at Walmart where she served as chief financial officer of Sam’s Club, chief financial officer of Walmart Asia and as a global chief audit executive.   

Bordelon will be returning to those Bentonville roots in her new position, overseeing the finances for a future STEM-focused university being developed by the Walton family on the former site of the Walmart Home Office. The new private university is expected to open in 2029 with a first class of approximately 500 students.  

“Ann’s new role, combined with her experience at the U of A, can only help as we work to identify future opportunities to collaborate with the new institution on our shared goal of expanding the workforce for specialized, in-demand STEM fields in our region and across Arkansas,” Robinson said.  

An Arkansas native, Bordelon earned a B.S.B.A. in accounting and information systems from the University of Arkansas and is a certified public accountant. 

Next Steps for Finance and Administration  

Cale Fessler will be promoted to CFO and senior associate vice chancellor effective April 13. Fessler, who was previously promoted to an expanded role in financial affairs in 2024, has been responsible for campus budgeting, business solutions and support services, procurement and other related financial duties since 2019. Fessler will now also oversee the university’s enterprise risk management function. Prior to joining the U of A, Fessler was the top financial officer at Missouri Western State University for six years. 

Amy Ochoa will be promoted to senior associate vice chancellor of human resources. Ochoa has more than 25 years of experience in human resources including a combined 21 years serving Walmart in various human resources leadership capacities. She joined the university in 2024, serving in an interim role before being promoted to associate vice chancellor of human resources in 2025.  

Clayton Hamilton will continue to oversee facilities management, transit and parking and the University of Arkansas Police Department as well as strategic campus partnerships, and real estate and space strategy in his role as senior associate vice chancellor. After more than a decade serving the university’s athletic department, Hamilton assumed the new role of chief administrative officer for campus services in 2024.  

Jannette Akridge, associate vice chancellor, will continue to lead the strategic data and process innovation team, while Steve Krogull, associate vice chancellor, will continue in his role as chief information officer for IT Services.   

“I have great confidence in these leaders and their units to continue the great work they’re doing to support the needs of our students, faculty and staff,” Robinson said. “This continuity with such strong leaders in place will serve the university well moving forward.”  

Fessler, Ochoa and Hamilton will report directly to the chancellor moving forward while Akridge and Krogull will report directly to the provost as part of an updated leadership structure for finance and administration.  

“We had a similar structure at my previous institution and it served us well, allowing the chancellor and provost to be one step closer to each of these important areas,” Provost Indrajeet Chaubey said. “It’s a leadership model that’s fairly common in higher education.”  

The revised approach was finalized earlier this year, but the details were held to allow time for Bordelon’s hire to be announced by her new employer.