University of Michigan’s Brian Smith Named New Chief Financial Officer at UT Austin

AUSTIN, Texas - The University of Texas at Austin has appointed Brian Smith, who currently serves as Associate Vice President for Finance at the University of Michigan, as its new Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective Jan. 6, 2025.

Smith will oversee the University's $4 billion budget and provide strategic financial direction and comprehensive financial support to address the evolving needs of the University. In this role, he will support President Jay Hartzell's long-term priorities for students, faculty and staff in alignment with UT's academic, research and health care missions.

"We are thrilled to welcome Brian as the newest member of our University's leadership team," Hartzell said. "His leadership experience and proven track record across all financial and investment functions enable him to be a strong steward of University resources that will maintain affordability for our students, support continued excellence in academics and research, and enable our vision of student success leading to promising careers. Brian's strategic vision and commitment to financial integrity will help us navigate the complexities of higher education finance and ensure the continued success of the University for years and decades to come."

Smith brings a wealth of experience to UT Austin. In his current role at the University of Michigan, he leads an organization responsible for accounting and financial reporting, enterprise risk management, financial planning and analysis, insurance, payroll, procurement, real estate, sponsored programs, tax, and treasury. In 2021, Smith served as the university's Interim Executive Vice President for Business and Finance and Chief Financial Officer, leading a division responsible for facilities and operations, finance, human resources, investments and organizational culture and strategy.

"I am honored to join The University of Texas at Austin as its next Chief Financial Officer," Smith said. "I look forward to collaborating with the University community to ensure the University's financial sustainability and to support its mission of providing world-class education and research opportunities. Together, we will continue to build on UT Austin's legacy of excellence and innovation."

Before Michigan, Smith served as Senior Assistant Vice Chancellor and Treasurer at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was responsible for accounting, procurement and treasury and risk management. He also held management positions at Wachovia Bank - now Wells Fargo - for 11 years.

Smith is a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill with a B.A. in economics. He also completed the Advanced Management Program at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.