Mark Denney Named Vice President For Finance & Administration

Pacific University is pleased to welcome Mark Denney as its next vice president for finance and administration. He began his position on May 1.

Denney comes to Pacific from the University of Houston-Clear Lake, a regional public university near Houston, Texas, where he served nearly six years as vice president for administration and finance. He was instrumental in the implementation and execution of a new strategic plan and the transition of budget systems.

He previously served as associate vice president and interim chief information officer at Southern Oregon University, senior budget analyst at Mt. Hood Community College, and in business roles at California school districts. Prior to his work in the education field, he worked in for-profit businesses and served as a financial management officer in the U.S. Marine Corps.

He holds an MBA from Portland State University and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Oregon State University, as well as professional training through the Marine Corps.

He brings a wealth of experience in developing collaborative solutions to operational efficiency and sustainable processes and in student-focused business practices.

“What really struck people is he’s very much a people person. He has a wonderful way of communicating. He has the ability to look at the future with a strategic lens and also brings a lot of empathy,” said Pacific University President Jenny Coyle ’90, OD ’93, MS ‘00. “He will lead us in transforming our budgeting model to keep us contemporary and help us navigate the headwinds that higher ed is facing right now.”

Pacific University is embarking on a new strategic plan, aligning strategy with accreditation processes, and exploring new budgeting models for the university as part of a comprehensive effort to position the university for future success. As vice president for finance and administration, Denney will oversee the university’s financial operations, facilities, information, compliance and emergency management.

“I am very excited and honored at this opportunity and look forward to joining the team at Pacific and contributing to the exceptional history that is Pacific University,” he said.