Paul brings extensive experience in finance and higher education to his new CFO position
Paul Toler has accepted the Vice President for Finance and Administrative Services (CFO) position and will start June 1, 2015. He will be a forward-thinking and strategic leader for the university and a collaborative member of the Executive Committee.
Paul has extensive experience in finance and higher education including serving as Associate Vice Chancellor for Finance at the University of Missouri in Columbia, Mo. Paul served as Chair of the Operational Excellence Initiative (OEI) on behalf of the President of the University of Missouri System. Successes include implementation of the award-winning Travel and Expense reimbursement module, implementation of electronic personnel action processing (ePAF), and implementation of the Accounts Payable Shared Services Center on behalf of the University of Missouri System.
Paul has earned three degrees from the University of Missouri including a bachelor of science in Business Administration (BSBA) with an emphasis in Finance and Banking, a BSBA with an emphasis in Real Estate, and a master’s degree in Business Administration. Paul has also achieved the Certified Government Financial Manager designation through the Association of Government Accountants. Transitioning from a public institution, Paul is looking forward to serving a liberal arts institution formed on the tenets of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and embodying the mission of Avila University.
Paul stated, “President Slepitza has assembled an outstanding team of professionals at Avila. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to work with them and play a part in delivering on Avila’s academic mission by supporting its outstanding faculty, talented and diverse student body, and devoted staff while embracing the vision of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.” What’s more, Paul was inspired by the Avila community explaining, “I’ve been struck by the pride I’ve seen at the university. The beauty of the grounds, so many people wearing purple, and the enthusiasm of everyone I’ve met was a great attraction for me.”
Paul has many plans for our community. “It will be important for me to listen to stakeholders throughout the campus, the Board and the community, to understand the needs and determine how our department can best support the new strategic plan.”
Please join us in welcoming Paul Toler to our community. A big thank you to the Search Committee for their vision and diligent work throughout this process.