Washburn University Names Chris Kuwitzky as New Chief Financial Officer

Topeka, Kan. – Washburn University has selected Chris Kuwitzky as its new vice president of administration and treasurer – the chief financial officer – after an extensive national search. Kuwitzky, a certified public accountant, is currently the director of accounting and controller at Washburn. Kuwitzky will be replacing current Vice President Jim Martin who will be returning to his full-time teaching position. The appointment will take effect on October 1, 2019.

“Chris brought some great experience to Washburn from his long career in both public accounting and in higher education at the University of Oklahoma,” said President Jerry Farley. “Since joining our staff in October of last year, he has proven to be a strong asset and a great fit for Washburn. This is a challenging position and we are fortunate to have such a talented and experienced professional on our team.”

A native of Oklahoma, Kuwitzky earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Oklahoma in 1984 and earned his designation as a certified public accountant two years later.

He began his career with Coopers and Lybrand Public Accountants (now part of PricewaterhouseCoopers) in Oklahoma City where he was responsible for a wide array of clients including higher education. He left Coopers and Lybrand after four years to join the finance staff at the University of Oklahoma in Norman where he eventually rose to the position of associate vice president of administration and finance.

At Washburn, Kuwitzky has been responsible for managing the team which produces the university’s financial statements and in assisting with investment and debt strategies.  As vice president of administration and treasurer, his portfolio will expand to include all financial operations along with information technology services, the physical plant, human resources, auxiliary enterprises and oversight of the university police force.