FENNING NAMED VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADMINISTRATION & FINANCE
Robert L. Fenning was appointed vice president for administration and finance, effective Sept. 25. Fenning's appointment was approved at the Sept. 14 meeting of the Board of Visitors.
Fenning, who had served as acting vice president the past year, came to Old Dominion in 1996 as associate vice president for administration and finance, having served as an assistant vice president at both University of Idaho and Wright State University. He was named acting vice president at Old Dominion following the resignation of David F. Harnage in July 2000.
As vice president, Fenning will continue to be responsible for the oversight of finance, budget, computing and communications services, student records and registration, financial aid, auxiliary services, facilities management, real estate, space management and scheduling, environmental health and safety, public safety, risk management, materiel management and human resources. In all, more than 580 university employees work in his division.
"Bob Fenning is well-known as an intelligent person, dedicated to his work and to Old Dominion University. His impressive experience in higher education gained across the United States, and his emphasis on team building and consultative management style will serve us well. We all look forward to working with him to continue improving this campus in support of the life and academic work of the entire community," said President Runte.
Fenning's candidacy for the position received strong support from the administration and finance officers who serve under him. In an Aug. 21 letter to President Runte, who co-chaired the search committee, the 15 officers said:
"Having worked for and with Mr. Fenning in his capacity as acting vice president for the last 13 months, we believe that he possesses the knowledge, skills, dedication and leadership to guide this institution as its chief financial and administrative officer."
The letter continued to say that, by all indications, he also "enjoys the support of ... his fellow administrators, faculty, staff and students."
During his tenure as acting vice president, Fenning championed the implementation of a comprehensive customer relations training program for the division of administration and finance and helped the human resources department implement the most comprehensive overhaul of the classified employee compensation system in 40 years.
Additionally, he has played a key role in improving the appearance of the campus, including spearheading the major renovations to Constant Hall. He also has provided oversight on construction of the Constant Convocation Center and the installation of the maglev transportation system.
In May, the Association of University of Administrators presented Fenning with its Administrator of the Year Award.
Fenning holds a master of planning degree from the University of Virginia's School of Architecture and a bachelor's in economics from Ohio Wesleyan University.