Following an extensive national search, Lander University has announced the appointment of Dr. Stacie A. Bowie, a 26-year veteran of financial and operational leadership in both higher education and private industry, as the university's next Vice President for Finance and Administration.
Bowie, whose notable career includes an eight-year stint as Coastal Carolina University's CFO, will begin her duties at Lander on January 22.
"Having been in South Carolina higher education for years, I was very aware of Lander's outstanding reputation throughout the state and with the members of the legislature," Bowie said. "I am excited to join a dynamic community of faculty and staff who work hard to meet our students' needs and continually improve the university through a fast-paced, creative and strategic approach."
Bowie most recently served as a Senior Vice President of Public Finance with Stephens Inc., an independent financial services firm with more than 1,200 employees and offices across the U.S. and in Europe. In her role, Bowie acted as a higher education specialist and managed debt financing for higher education institutions, as well as school districts, municipalities and utilities.
Prior to Stephens, Bowie spent more than 10 years at Coastal Carolina University, serving first as Associate Vice President for Finance and Administration before advancing to the role of Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. As CFO, she managed all financial and administrative functions at the institution and led a team of more than 370 employees.
While at Coastal, Bowie delivered $86 million in savings through balance sheet restructuring and secured $263 million in financing for new construction and debt restructuring. As a member of the Executive Council, she also assisted with the creation and implementation of the institution's first IT strategic plan and two facility master plans.
"Dr. Stacie Bowie is an accomplished and proven leader in higher education finance," said Lander University President Richard Cosentino. "She brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this important role, from budgeting and planning, to developing and implementing strategic initiatives."
"Additionally, her familiarity with South Carolina's higher education system - and its unique strengths, opportunities and challenges - will be instrumental in helping our university continue on its trajectory of record growth," he added.
As Lander's Vice President for Finance and Administration, Bowie will oversee approximately a dozen fiscal and administrative support service units, including the Bearcat Shop and Bookstore, Budget, Finance, Business Office, Student Accounts, Dining Services, Facilities Management, Information Technology Services, Printing Services, Procurement, Special Events and University Police.
"I am looking forward to getting to know the employees and becoming more familiar with Lander's history, beautiful campus and surrounding community," Bowie said. "I am also looking forward to working with the President and his entire leadership team to contribute my part to the advancement of the University's mission and vision."
Bowie, who has also served as a financial controller and consultant with a number of Fortune 1000 technology and construction management corporations, holds a Doctorate of Business Administration from the Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College, as well as an M.B.A. from Coastal Carolina. She earned a bachelor's in business administration and accounting from the University of Maryland University College. She is a licensed Certified Public Accountant (C.P.A.) in Maryland, and she holds Series 50 (Municipal Advisor Representative), Series 52 (Municipal Securities Representative) and Series 63 (Uniform State Law Securities Agent) certifications.