The Tennessee Board of Regents has approved Alan R. Thomas as MTSU’s vice president for business and finance, President Sidney A. McPhee announced Tuesday, Aug. 9.

Thomas, who served in an interim role since January, succeeds John Cothern, who retired in December. Thomas, who first began work at MTSU in 1990, was associate vice president for business and finance before moving into the interim role.

Dr. Sidney A. McPhee

Alan Thomas

“I’m pleased that Alan’s outstanding service to our University will continue in this permanent role,” McPhee said. “We have been well served throughout the years by his insights and expertise.”

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; the Murphy Center Complex; the 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.

“It is wonderful to continue my service to my alma mater in this new, permanent role,” Thomas said. “Our division has a true ‘can-do’ spirit and I’m honored to work with them.”

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.

— Andrew Oppmann (andrew.oppmann@mtsu.edu)