NSU names UCO's Koehn Vice President for Administration and Finance

TAHLEQUAH -- David Koehn, assistant vice president for finance at the University of Central Oklahoma, was named Nov. 30 to become vice president for administration and finance at Northeastern State University.

Koehn, who holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from UCO and will receive his master's degree in business administration from the institution in May 2010, joined Central's staff in 1987. He was named assistant vice president for finance in 2001 after serving nine years as controller.

Koehn said he decided to pursue the position based on his experiences working with NSU President Don Betz when Betz was provost at UCO.

"This position gives me an opportunity to use my 22 years of experience in higher education administration to help provide the best educational experience for the citizens of Oklahoma," Koehn said.

He replaces Kim Cherry, who will retire from NSU at the end of fall semester after 33 years at the institution.

"I intend to continue the strong, ethical financial management that NSU is accustomed to under Kim Cherry's leadership," Koehn said. "Navigating the current financial environment will be challenging, but I look forward to working with Dr. Betz and the leadership at NSU to provide the education our students deserve while serving the needs of our region."

Koehn's affiliations with the American Institute of CPAs and Oklahoma Society of CPAs date to 1983. He is a member of the National Association of College and University Business Officers since 1988. In 2008 he graduated with the fifth class of the Oklahoma Citizen's Academy.

Koehn is also active in the United Way and Kiwanis Club in Edmond and served on the board of directors of the Wesley Foundation at UCO, 1995-2001.

Betz expressed delight with the selection of Koehn.

"I know that David's contributions to Northeastern's continuing growth and development and to our ability to serve the people in eastern Oklahoma will be significant," Betz said. "David brings with him a career of successful experience in finance and budgetary work within Oklahoma higher education. He is naturally collaborative and will be a most able partner for us and a valued member of the NSU cabinet."

Koehn assumes his role at NSU on Jan. 5.

12/02/2009

Published: 2009-12-02 00:00:00