MSU names new chief financial officer

After roughly two years and seven months without a chief financial officer, Missouri State University announced April 6 that it has chosen a new executive for the role.

Eric Schick, most recently vice president and CFO at the University of Tulsa, is set to officially begin his CFO role at MSU on April 13. According to a news release, Schick is a certified public accountant with more than 25 years of leadership experience in finance and operations in the higher education and health care fields. He served as executive vice president and CFO at Tulsa-based Saint Francis Health System for 23 years. Earlier in his career, he worked as controller at Oklahoma State University Medical Center for five years, according to the release.

Schick’s predecessor, Stephen Foucart, retired Aug. 1, 2023, according to past reporting. He served MSU as CFO beginning in 2013 after two years on the job as interim CFO.

Schick’s base salary is $300,000, and the university is paying “reasonable” costs for relocation expenses, an MSU spokesperson told SBJ. Schick’s employment with MSU does not include any housing, car or other allowance, the spokesperson said. Schick’s predecessor, Foucart, earned $187,193 at the time of his retirement, MSU officials said, with a starting salary of $128,000 back in 2011.

“Eric brings deep financial expertise, strong leadership and a proven ability to help organizations plan strategically for the future,” MSU President Richard B. Williams said in the release. “His experience in higher education and complex organizations will serve Missouri State well as we continue to advance the university’s mission and position it for long-term success.”

Schick’s duties will include oversight over MSU financial operations, according to the release.

An MSU spokesperson this morning said that Schick’s role as CFO “is central to strengthening Missouri State’s long-term financial strategy during a period of increased pressure on higher education. His work will focus on aligning budget planning with institutional priorities. He will be a valuable partner to our already strong finance team as we continue to advance Missouri State’s mission and steward our resources responsibly.”