Veteran MTSU executive Alan R. Thomas has been named the university’s interim vice president for business and finance, President Sidney A. McPhee announced recently.

Thomas, who was associate vice president for business and finance, succeeds John Cothern, who retired Dec. 23 as MTSU’s senior vice president after four decades of service to Tennessee higher education.

Alan Thomas

“During his more than 20 years at MTSU, Alan has led or assisted with several major initiatives and improvements at the university,” McPhee said.

Thomas is now responsible for the management of the university’s budget and financial planning; the Office of Business and Finance; Campus Planning; Facilities Services; Human Resource Services; University Police; and the Administrative and Business Services Department, which includes the MTSU Post Office, Phillips Bookstore, Vending, Procurement and Logistic Services, Contract Office, Distribution Services, and Receiving and Moving Services.

He also oversees other administrative offices, including Event Coordination; Production Services; Parking and Transportation Services; Murphy Center Complex; Tennessee Livestock Center; and the Tennessee Miller Coliseum.

Thomas is a 1987 graduate of MTSU with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in accounting. He received his Master of Education in Administration and Supervision degree from MTSU in 1998.

Thomas and his wife, Kandi, have lived in the Rutherford County or Murfreesboro area since 1990. They have one daughter, Briana, who is attending MTSU and is also a member of the MT Cheer team.

— Jimmy Hart (jimmy.hart@mtsu.edu)