About Ohio Wesleyan University
Founded in 1842, Ohio Wesleyan University (OWU) is a private, residential liberal arts institution 
located in Delaware, Ohio, approximately 25 miles north of Columbus. Established by Methodist 
leaders and community members who believed deeply in the transformative power of education, the 
University was chartered by the Ohio Legislature with a mandate that it be conducted “on the most 
liberal principles” and accessible to individuals of all faiths and backgrounds. While OWU maintains 
historic ties to the Methodist tradition, it operates today as a fully inclusive, nonsectarian institution 
committed to intellectual freedom, ethical inquiry, and civic responsibility.

Ohio Wesleyan’s approximately 200-acre campus offers a classic residential college environment 
that blends historic architecture with modern academic, residential, and athletic facilities. Several 
campus buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, reflecting the University’s 
long-standing presence and stewardship of its physical assets.

Delaware’s location provides OWU with the benefits of a close-knit college-town setting while 
maintaining strong proximity to the Columbus metropolitan region, one of the fastest-growing and 
most economically diverse areas in the Midwest. This geographic advantage expands access to 
internships, experiential learning, alumni engagement, employer partnerships, and cultural 
institutions, while also positioning the University favorably for regional collaboration and enrollment 
reach.

Mission, Values, and Educational Philosophy
Ohio Wesleyan defines itself as a community devoted to the free pursuit of truth, grounded in the 
liberal arts tradition. The University’s educational philosophy centers on three core objectives:
1. Imparting Knowledge – Providing students with a deep understanding of the humanities, 
sciences, and arts, as well as exposure to contemporary inquiry and discovery.
2. Developing Capabilities – Building critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, communication skills, 
aesthetic awareness, and the ability to integrate theory with practice.
3. Educating for Values and Citizenship – Fostering ethical reasoning, intellectual honesty, respect 
for diverse perspectives, and a sense of responsibility in a democratic and global society.

Teaching excellence is central to OWU’s mission. All full-time tenure-track faculty hold a terminal 
degree or are completing one.

Academic Model and Educational Approach
Ohio Wesleyan University is a nationally recognized liberal arts institution committed to preparing 
students to become engaged citizens and leaders. The University offers more than 70
undergraduate majors and interdisciplinary programs across the arts, humanities, natural sciences, 
and social sciences. OWU is a fully undergraduate institution composed primarily of traditionally 
aged students (18–22 years old). 

The student body includes approximately 32% first-generation students, 40% Pell-eligible students, 
and 29% students of color. The academic experience is defined by close faculty engagement and 
small classes, supported by an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio and an average class size of 19 
students, with more than half of courses enrolling fewer than 21 students. Faculty serve as teacherscholars and mentors, creating a collaborative learning environment grounded in discussion and 
individualized academic support.

Through its signature experiential-learning initiative, The OWU Connection, every student completes 
at least one hands-on experience -including internships, mentored undergraduate research, travellearning courses, or service engagement, connecting academic study with real-world application, 
often culminating in presentations at the annual OWU Connection Conference.

Ohio Wesleyan’s liberal arts curriculum encourages interdisciplinary exploration and academic 
flexibility, with approximately one-third of students graduating with multiple majors. The strength of 
this model is reflected in outcomes: about 97% of graduates are employed, enrolled in graduate
school, or serving in the military within six months of graduation.

Conrades School of Engineering
Ohio Wesleyan University recently launched the Conrades School of Engineering, a significant 
expansion of the University’s academic offerings that integrates engineering education within OWU’s 
liberal arts tradition. Powered by more than $17 million in alumni philanthropy, the endowed school 
represents the most ambitious academic expansion in the University’s history and provides longterm support for the program’s launch and future growth. Beginning in Fall 2027, the school will offer 
a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) and plans to pursue accreditation through 
the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). The program emphasizes hands-on 
learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the development of strong analytical and
communication skills.

Higher Education Partnerships
Ohio Wesleyan University actively cultivates partnerships and innovative initiatives that strengthen 
the institution’s academic mission, expand access to education, and advance long-term institutional 
sustainability. This includes the University’s public private partnership to implement one of the most 
ambitious solar energy initiatives in Ohio higher education. Through this initiative, Ohio Wesleyan is 
installing a large-scale solar energy system designed to generate significant long-term operational 
savings while addressing millions of dollars in deferred maintenance across the campus energy 
infrastructure. The project is expected to reduce the University’s electricity costs by approximately 
$1 million annually while advancing institutional sustainability goals and strengthening OWU’s longterm financial model.

The University has also developed a distinctive sister institution partnership with Claflin University, 
one of the nation’s leading Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This collaboration 
expands opportunities for student exchange, shared programming, and institutional partnership 
while reinforcing Ohio Wesleyan’s commitment to broadening educational access and crossinstitutional engagement. In addition, Ohio Wesleyan participates in regional initiatives such as the 
Delaware County Promise, which provides eligible students from Delaware County with enhanced 
financial support and pathways to attend Ohio Wesleyan, strengthening the University’s connection 
to the local community while improving access to a high-quality liberal arts education.

Together, these initiatives reflect Ohio Wesleyan’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and 
forward-looking partnerships that support both student success and institutional sustainability.

Affiliations
Ohio Wesleyan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the regional 
accrediting body serving colleges and universities across the central United States. Several 
academic programs also maintain specialized accreditation or approval through organizations 
including the American Chemical Society, National Association of Schools of Music, Ohio 
Department of Education, and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). The 
University is also a member of leading higher education organizations including the Great Lakes 
Colleges Association, the Annapolis Group of Liberal Arts Colleges, the Association of Independent 
Colleges and Universities of Ohio (AICUO), and the Five Colleges of Ohio consortium, reflecting its 
longstanding collaboration with peer liberal arts institutions.

Student Life and Campus Community
Ohio Wesleyan fosters a vibrant residential campus where academic learning and co-curricular 
experiences support students’ intellectual, social, and personal development. With most students 
living on campus, the University’s close-knit community encourages strong connections among 
students, faculty, and staff while supporting active participation in campus life.

Campus Engagement and Student Organizations
Campus Engagement and Student Organizations Ohio Wesleyan offers a vibrant campus life with 
more than 90 student organizations representing academic, cultural, service, leadership, and 
recreational interests. These groups help students explore interests, develop leadership skills, and 
contribute to campus culture. Student-led organizations and governance groups provide 
opportunities to represent peers, advocate for initiatives, and collaborate with university leadership. 
Traditions, performances, lectures, athletic events, and campus gatherings further strengthen 
community and school spirit.

Orientation and Student Development
New student programs ease the transition to college and introduce students to Ohio Wesleyan’s 
academic expectations and community. Orientation, advising, and peer mentorship help students 
connect early with faculty, staff, and classmates while building the confidence and skills needed for 
success. 

Residential Life and Community Living
Ohio Wesleyan’s residential campus integrates living and learning in a supportive environment. OWU 
has a four-year living requirement for students, and approximately 85% of students currently live on 
campus. Residence halls and campus housing encourage collaboration and shared experiences 
among students from diverse backgrounds. Living on campus supports engagement in the 
intellectual and social life of the University while fostering independence, responsibility, and 
leadership development.

Wellness, Belonging, and Student Support
The University prioritizes student well-being and a welcoming campus culture. Health and 
counseling services, wellness programming, and student support resources promote physical and 
mental health while helping students navigate academic and personal challenges. Programs 
focused on belonging and community engagement encourage respect for diverse perspectives.

Athletics, Recreation, and Campus Traditions
Athletics and recreation are integral to campus life. Ohio Wesleyan sponsors 23 NCAA Division III 
varsity teams competing in the North Coast Athletic Conference, along with club and intramural 
sports. Traditions, performances, lectures, and student-led programming contribute to a dynamic 
campus culture that complements the academic experience

Introduction of Opportunity
Ohio Wesleyan University seeks a collaborative, strategic, and forward-thinking leader to serve as its 
next Vice President for Finance & Administration (Vice President). Reporting to the President and 
serving as a key member of the President’s Cabinet, the Vice President will provide focused 
leadership in financial management, strategy, analysis, and long-term planning while helping guide 
the University through a period of significant institutional momentum.

Under President Matt vandenBerg’s leadership, Ohio Wesleyan has achieved notable progress in 
strengthening enrollment, improving retention, reducing the institution’s discount rate, and 
increasing net tuition revenue per student, positioning the University favorably among its peer 
institutions. President vandenBerg has engrained an entrepreneurial, high-velocity approach to 
institutional strategy and innovation, advancing multiple initiatives and partnerships in a fast-moving, 
boldly strategic environment designed to strengthen OWU’s academic distinction and long-term 
financial sustainability. At the same time, OWU is preparing to launch an ambitious strategic plan 
centered on establishing its market position as “America's University for Ambitious Self-Discovery.” 
The institution has also secured transformational philanthropic support for key initiatives and is 
preparing for a major fundraising campaign to advance its strategic priorities.

In this context, the Vice President will serve as a trusted advisor and thought partner to the 
President, providing disciplined financial leadership while helping translate institutional ambition into 
sustainable financial strategy. The role will maintain oversight of key administrative areas, including 
finance, budgeting, human resources, procurement, facilities and campus operations, while 
maintaining a clear focus on fiscal leadership and long-term financial planning. The successful 
candidate will be comfortable operating in a strategically ambitious environment, bringing a positive, 
solutions-oriented leadership style, strong communication skills, and the ability to operate effectively 
within a shared governance environment, building trust and alignment across faculty, staff, senior 
leadership, and the Board of Trustees.

“We need a strategic, creative, entrepreneurially minded leader who executes with the same intensity 
she or he thinks — someone who will drive our innovative strategies to completion, build the operational 
infrastructure to sustain them, and bring fresh thinking of her or his own.”
- President Matt vandenBerg

Core Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership
• Serve as the University’s chief financial strategist, partnering with the President and Cabinet to 
develop, refine, and monitor the University’s long-term financial strategy while identifying innovative 
approaches to strengthening OWU’s financial sustainability
• Lead the development of multi-year financial models and planning frameworks that align 
institutional priorities with sustainablefiscal pathways
• Provide rigorous analysis, creative financial thinking, and strategic insight to guide major 
institutional investments, initiatives, and long-term planning

Budgeting and Financial Planning
• Oversees the University’s comprehensive budgeting process, including management of the 
institution’s operating and capital budgets
• Strengthen budgeting processes to ensure greater transparency, consistency, and collaboration 
across divisions
• Provide timely and clear financial reporting and forecasting to support informed decision-making 
by campus leadership

Financial Analysis, Data, and Reporting
• Develop and implement robust financial analytics and reporting tools, including dashboards and 
scenario modeling, to enhance the University’s ability to assess financial performance, evaluate 
strategic opportunities, and anticipate challenges 
• Ensure financial data and reporting are accurate, accessible, and understandable for stakeholders 
across the institution 

Cabinet and Presidential Partnership
• Serve as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to the President, providing clear, candid financial 
counsel and proactive communication
• Work collaboratively with Cabinet colleagues to evaluate new initiatives, align resources with 
institutional priorities, and support cross-campus strategic efforts

Board Leadership and Treasury
• Serve as Treasurer to the Board of Trustees and a key liaison to the Board’s finance-related 
committees
• Work closely with the Board of Trustees’ Investment Subcommittee in the oversight of the 
University’s endowment, supporting the committee as it establishes investment policy, asset 
allocation ranges, and performance goals
• Partner with the committee and external investment management firms to monitor investment 
performance, provide financial analysis and reporting, and ensure strong stewardship of the 
University’s endowed funds

Administrative and Operational Leadership
• Provide leadership for a division of approximately 40 employees responsible for key administrative 
functions including accounting, student accounts, financial planning and budgeting, human 
resources, procurement, risk management, and campus services
• Build strong operational systems and empower senior staff leaders to ensure excellence across 
the division

Campus and Capital Stewardship
• Oversee stewardship of the University’s physical campus, including facilities operations, buildings 
and grounds, and capital planning
• Partner with institutional leaders to advance major capital initiatives, including significant current 
and future projects such as the library transformation and sustainability investments, and develop a 
systematic approach to addressing deferred maintenance

Institutional Alignment and Shared Governance
• Operate effectively within Ohio Wesleyan’s shared governance environment, engaging thoughtfully 
with faculty leadership, governance committees, and campus stakeholders
• Communicate complex financial matters clearly and transparently, fostering trust and shared 
understanding around financial strategy and institutional priorities

Reporting Areas
The Vice President for Finance & Administration provides leadership and oversight for the following 
functional areas:

• Accounting Office
• Office of Student Accounts
• Office of Financial Planning and Budgeting
• Office of Human Resources
• Office of Procurement
• Campus Reservations
• Risk and Insurance
• Buildings and Grounds
• Custodial Services / Groundskeeping (contracted vendor)
• Mail Room, Central Receiving, and Print Services

Experience and Key Characteristics

Experience
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in finance, administration, 
and related functions
• Significant experience in financial reporting, analysis, forecasting, and long-term financial planning, 
with a demonstrated ability to support strategic decision-making
• Proven leadership in developing and managing inclusive budgeting processes and strengthening 
financial transparency and reporting
• Demonstrated ability to analyze risk, evaluate financial scenarios, and guide organizations through 
complex financial challenges
• Experience overseeing or partnering on major capital initiatives, construction projects, and longterm facilities planning
• Experience managing complex administrative or finance organizations, including leading multilayered teams and developing strong operational leadership within the division
• Track record of using data, analytics, and technology to improve financial insight, reporting, and 
operational effectiveness
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred

Key Characteristics
• Positive, can-do leadership style that is cooperative, solutions-focused, and measured in 
responding to challenges
• High integrity and trustworthiness, operating with transparency and a “no surprises” approach with 
senior leadership
• Extraordinary communicator who can translate complex financial issues for diverse audiences, 
including faculty, trustees, donors, and external partners, and build trust through clarity, candor, and 
credibility
• Collaborative partner who works effectively within a shared governance environment and builds 
strong relationships across campus
• Execution-oriented leader who not only shapes direction but also builds, drives, and delivers on 
initiatives with discipline and follow through
• Creative thinker who brings an entrepreneurial instinct to institutional strategy, capable of 
architecting innovative financial approaches and engaging confidently with public-private 
partnerships, revenue innovation, and nontraditional solutions to institutional challenges
• Mission-aligned, with enthusiasm for Ohio Wesleyan’s liberal arts mission and commitment to an 
inclusive campus community

About the President

Matt vandenBerg
Ohio Wesleyan University’s 17th president, Matt vandenBerg, Ed.D., assumed office on July 1, 2023, 
with a clear vision to build on OWU’s strong foundation while pursuing new levels of excellence with 
confidence, innovation, and energy. Since then, he has led the university community in launching a 
bold “higher education rebellion.”

"Together, we rebel against small thinking, against fear and divisiveness, and against higher 
education's traditional reluctance to change," President vandenBergsays. "And we rebel for students 
– for boldness, for kindness, and for innovation.”

Before joining Ohio Wesleyan, President vandenBerg built a track record of innovative leadership 
across several institutions, serving as president of Presbyterian College in South Carolina, vice 
president for advancement and external relations at Alma College in Michigan, associate vice 
president for development at Albion College in Michigan, and assistant dean for development and 
alumni relations at the Indiana University School of Informatics and Computing (Bloomington and 
Indianapolis campuses).

Currently, President vandenBerg serves as the chair of the Five Colleges of Ohio, a board member 
with the Council of Independent Colleges, a member of the National Association of Independent 
Colleges and Universities' Committee on Student Aid, and an officer of the board of directors for the 
Annapolis Group of Liberal Arts Colleges.

He holds a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in higher education management from the University of 
Pennsylvania, a Master of Public Affairs with concentrations in nonprofit management and public 
policy analysis from the Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs, and a 
Bachelor of Arts with a political science major and Spanish minor from Alma College in Michigan, 
where he graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa. He also holds a Certificate in the 
Principles and Techniques of Fundraising from Indiana University's Lilly Family School of 
Philanthropy and is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE).

President vandenBerg and his wife, Melissa, have a son, Jackson, and a daughter, Sylvia.

Life in the Area

Delaware, Ohio is a picturesque and thriving community that blends historic charm with the energy 
of a dynamic college town. Home to Ohio Wesleyan University, the campus overlooks the heart of 
Delaware, offering a welcoming setting that reflects the city’s strong sense of tradition, community 
pride, and growth. The city’s downtown is rich with character, featuring locally owned shops, a
diverse culinary scene, breweries and wineries, and family-friendly events that create a vibrant 
atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. Main Street Delaware hosts seasonal markets, themed 
First Friday celebrations, and cultural activities that cultivate connection and discovery in the heart 
of the city.

Delaware’s historic roots are evident throughout the community, with beautifully preserved 19thcentury architecture in its downtown historic district and engaging heritage tours offered by local 
organizations. The city is also surrounded by abundant natural beauty and outdoor recreation. 
Nearby parks, dozens of public trails, 140 miles of shoreline, and the scenic Olentangy River corridor 
provide opportunities for hiking, biking, kayaking, and exploring landscapes, making the area an ideal 
balance of academic life and natural surroundings.

The Delaware City School District serves a growing student population and is recognized for its 
strong commitment to educational excellence and community engagement.

Convenience is another key advantage of Delaware’s location. Just 30 minutes from downtown 
Columbus and less than an hour from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), Delaware 
offers easy access to major metropolitan amenities while maintaining the warmth and accessibility 
of a close-knit community. Destinations within a one-day drive include Chicago, Nashville, 
Washington D.C., New York City, and Toronto, positioning Delaware as both connected and distinctly 
charming. Looking ahead, a $2B airport upgrade and new terminal addition at CMH will further 
enhance travel capacity and improve the overall commuter experience for residents and visitors 
alike.

Process of Candidacy
BeecherHill is retained by and pleased to partner with Ohio Wesleyan University, and the appointed 
search committee, in their search for the next Vice President for Finance and Administration. We 
welcome applications, recommendations of outstanding prospects, and confidential inquiries, with 
preferred contact details, to be directed to our firm at: owuvp@beecherhillsearch.com

Applications should include a cover letter with expression of interest and current 
resume/curriculum vitae (CV).

Follow-on conversations and inquiries will be responded to by:

Cindy Hilsheimer
Managing Principal

Wilson Browning
President

Caroline Manahan
Director

250 Civic Center Center, Suite 100, Columbus, Ohio 43215
614.939.4240

The information herein has been copied, compiled, and/or quoted in part from Ohio Wesleyan 
University documents and/or personal interviews with Ohio Wesleyan University's approval. The 
information herein is believed to be reliable, but while every effort has been made to ensure the 
accuracy of the information, original source documents and factual situations govern. Although 
BeecherHill and Ohio Wesleyan University have done their best to include relevant information, 
information herein should not be viewed as all-inclusive. Information about compensation, benefits, 
and other terms and conditions must ultimately come from Ohio Wesleyan University or resources 
made available by Ohio Wesleyan University.