Daniel Stephens
Illinois State University President Larry Dietz has appointed Daniel Stephens as vice president for the Division of Finance and Planning, effective April 3. Stephens will replace Greg Alt, who will retire after serving Illinois State for 27 years, the last three as vice president for Finance and Planning.
“Dan Stephens has an extensive financial background in higher education as well as corporate finance,” said Dietz. “His values and leadership align with Illinois State’s Educating Illinois mission, and he will play an integral part in helping the University continue its path to success during these financially turbulent times.”
Stephens most recently served as the associate vice chancellor of finance for the University of North Texas System in Dallas, serving three universities and more than 42,000 students. He helped oversee a major administrative restructuring of the system and held senior leadership responsibility for accounting, financial reporting, student financial services, accounts payable, payroll, asset accounting, external audit, tax, and accounting systems.
“It is an honor to be selected to serve as the vice president for Finance and Planning. Illinois State University has an exceptional academic, athletic, and student success reputation across all of its programs that is consistently identified as top tier, not only within the State of Illinois and the Midwest region, but also recognized nationally,” said Stephens. “I am excited to partner with President Dietz and the senior leadership team along with the faculty, staff, and students across the entire University community to continue to grow ISU’s first class reputation as Illinois’ first public university.”
Prior to working in Texas, Stephens held senior financial leadership roles with the University of Idaho and Jacksonville University in Florida, serving as university controller and treasurer at both institutions. He also served as chief financial officer at Central Michigan University (global campus division) in Mount Pleasant. Prior to working in higher education, he spent 15 years in audit, accounting, and financial leadership roles for several private corporations. Stephens earned an MBA in finance from the University of North Florida.
Dietz thanked the search committee for their dedication and hard work, and for their concerted efforts in planning the candidates’ open forums and meetings with shared governance groups. Dietz also thanked Alt for his more than two decades of exemplary service in helping guide the University through tough financial times.
“Greg has done an amazing job of working with the campus community throughout his tenure at ISU,” said Dietz. “I would like to express my gratitude for his contributions in making Illinois State strong and stable.”
