Following a national search, Lenora Chapman has been named vice president for finance and administration at Southwestern University. Chapman comes to Southwestern from Sam Houston State University (SHSU) in Huntsville, Texas, where she has served as associate vice president for financial planning and budget since 2018. She begins her new role October 18.

“We are delighted to welcome Lenora to the executive leadership team at Southwestern University,” said President Laura Skandera Trombley. “She has a strong history of mentoring and building collaborative teams. Her extensive financial management experience in higher education and strategic leadership will be extremely valuable as we continue progress on our ambitious 2021–2026 Tactical Plan and beyond.”  

As the University’s top fiscal officer, Chapman will be responsible for the planning, management, and assessment of Southwestern’s financial activities, as well as the leadership of the information technology, facilities, auxiliary services, and enterprise risk management activities. 

At SHSU, Chapman oversaw budget and financial planning, student financial services, facilities business services, treasury and cash management, investment management, and business solutions support services. Prior to SHSU, she served as associate vice president for financial affairs at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Chapman has also held positions at Alamo Colleges District and Trinity University in San Antonio.

Chapman earned a bachelor of business administration in accounting from Texas Tech University and is a certified public accountant. She is a member of the Texas Association of State Senior College and University Business Officers, the Southern Association of College and University Business Officers, and the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO). She also is a graduate of the NACUBO Fellows Program. 

Chapman enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband, Scott, and her two sons, Jonathan and Cameron.