Jean Schook Set to Retire as Associate Vice Chancellor for Finance

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Jean Schook and Michael White

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Jean Schook, who has served as University of Arkansas associate vice chancellor for finance and treasurer since 2007, will retire from her position effective March 31. 

Michael White, the current associate controller in the Office of Financial Affairs, has been named to succeed Schook effective April 1.

“Jean has been an incredible asset to the U of A,” said Tim O’Donnell, vice chancellor for finance and administration. “I thank her for her years of service to the university and for her leadership in Financial Affairs. Mike has already shown himself to be an impressive leader and I am confident he will do a great job for us in his new role. Jean and Mike will be working closely together over the coming weeks to ensure the leadership transition is as seemless as possible.”

Schook joined the U of A in 2007 after a 25 year career as an auditor with the state Division of Legislative Audit. As associate vice chancellor for finance and treasurer she has been responsible for the operation and management of the Office of Financial Affairs, as well as providing oversight of university accounting, financial reporting, treasury and student accounts and bursar activities. She has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Missouri Southern State University and an MBA from the University of Arkansas.

“I have had the privilege of working with a great team and have strived to build lasting partnerships in Financial Affairs with other campus units,” Schook said. “Together, we have implemented new processes and refined existing ones to deliver improved services to stakeholders with improved efficiency and often reduced cost.

“I can think of no one who is better equipped to lead Financial Affairs than Mike White. The future is bright.

“I’ve loved my time at this university. My time as a student here was what really began my career in accounting in Arkansas. I am grateful that I was able to in some way give back to the institution that gave me so much. I’m excited to move on to the next chapter, and am looking forward to many years of family, community service and life’s adventures.”

White joined the U of A as associate controller in 1998, and served as interim associate vice chancellor for business affairs  for one year. Before coming to the university he worked as an auditor with the Arkansas Legislative Audit for 12 years. He has a degree in accounting from Arkansas Tech University. He was born in Fort Smith and grew up in Dardanelle. 

“I am honored by the confidence that has been shown in me by Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Tim O’Donnell, and by Associate Vice Chancellor for Financial Affairs Jean Schook,” White said. “It has been a great pleasure working for Jean for the last 10 plus years. She is a great leader for our department in particular, and for the campus in general.  She will be a very hard act to follow.”

No decision has been made on who will fill White’s current position.

A retirement reception will be held for Jean Schook from 1-3 p.m. Friday, March 30.

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among only 2 percent of universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.