Tarleton State Names Dr. Brett Powell CFO, Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration

Tarleton State University has named Dr. Brett Powell the new Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration, effective July 1.

In the role, Dr. Powell will oversee Tarleton State’s budgetary and fiscal affairs, including planning, monitoring and managing overall financial plans, policies and operations.

He comes to Tarleton State after spending the past five years in executive administration at Baylor University, where he most recently served as the Associate Vice President of Finance since April 2022. Previously, he handled the duties of Co-Interim Chief Business Officer and Assistant Vice President and Controller.

“Dr. Powell is a proven leader in all aspects of financial services, making him a tremendous fit for the growth trajectory of our institution,” said Tarleton State President Dr. James Hurley. “He will be an invaluable resource as we strive to be the premier comprehensive university in the nation.”

During his time at Baylor, Dr. Powell led university treasury function, including debt management, liquidity management, short-term investment management, and debt covenant compliance, as well as financial reporting, accounting, payroll and tax functions.

Additionally, he directed and led the development of a multiyear, multiphase capital plan in support of the university’s newly developed strategic plan. He also created a shared services model for accounting functions across all university departments and an assurance function to examine and monitor processes in high-risk areas to ensure financial security across the university.

“This is an exciting time at Tarleton State, and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to join this leadership team,” said Powell. “The time I spent with President Hurley, the Executive Cabinet and other leaders made it clear to me this is a great time to be a Tarleton State Texan. I look forward to contributing to future successes of the university.”

Prior to his time at Baylor, Dr. Powell spent 21 years in leadership roles at Ouachita Baptist University, the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, the Arkansas Department of Higher Education and Henderson State University.

Throughout his career, he has served on several executive committees, including as treasurer of the Forward Arkansas Board and vice chair of the Golden Key International Honor Society Board. During his time with the Arkansas Department of Higher Education, he served as the vice chair of the Governor’s Workforce Cabinet.

In 2017, Dr. Powell was named a finalist by Arkansas Business for Education CFO of the Year.

A certified public accountant, he holds a doctorate in higher education administration and a master’s degree in business administration from UA Little Rock. He earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Louisiana at Monroe.

A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of approximately 18,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For 125 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.