WCU selects Jackson County native to lead administration, finance division

Press release from Western Carolina University

WCU selects Jackson County native to lead administration, finance division

CULLOWHEE – Jackson County native Michael T. Byers, an associate vice chancellor for business affairs at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, is the next vice chancellor for administration and finance at Western Carolina University.

Byers, who is responsible for the campus enterprises unit at UNCG, will succeed longtime WCU administrator Robert Edwards, who is retiring in December after serving as vice chancellor for administration and finance since 2011.

WCU Chancellor David O. Belcher announced the appointment Monday, Nov. 10. It is effective Monday, Dec. 8.

In his current role at UNCG since 2009, Byers oversees a variety of university business and auxiliary enterprises, including the institution’s Capital Facilities Foundation, community relations, property acquisition and leasing, purchasing, parking and transportation, campus identification card office, warehouse, and postal, dining, bookstore, vending and printing operations. He is responsible for annual budgets of more than $30 million and a staff exceeding 350 employees.

“Mike Byers is a proven leader in higher education administration with a diverse skill set and broad base of experience, much of which he gained in the University of North Carolina system,” said Belcher. “He will inherit a strong Division of Administration and Finance, which has benefited from Robert Edwards’ exceptional leadership, and he is the right person to continue the division’s growth and development as an innovative unit that facilitates the work of the entire university.”

Byers joined the administration at UNCG in 1995 as associate director of housing and residence life, moving up to become director of auxiliary services in 1999. He was named the institution’s assistant vice chancellor for business affairs and auxiliary services in 2005, a position he held until assuming his current role.

Prior to joining the ranks of higher education administration, he worked for 10 years in a variety of increasingly responsible roles with ServiceMaster Management Services in Downers Grove, Illinois.

Byers holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a master’s degree in business administration from UNCG.

Byers is no stranger to WCU and Western North Carolina, as he grew up in Webster and graduated from Sylva-Webster (now called Smoky Mountain) High School in 1981.

“Having spent the first 18 years of my life in Webster, I consider WCU an outstanding fit for my career aspiration to serve as the chief business officer for a reputable institution. This is an opportunity for a welcome homecoming,” he said.

“With the challenges facing higher education, I understand the importance of engagement through close collaboration and inclusiveness, both across divisions and across town,” Byers said. “I look forward to joining the team at WCU and providing stable yet innovative leadership for the Division of Administration and Finance, and contributing as a member of the executive team toward the mission and focus of the institution.”

Byers’ selection for the position at WCU concludes a national search conducted by a 13-member committee chaired by Provost Alison Morrison-Shetlar.

The Division of Administration and Finance at WCU consists of the university’s financial and business services functions, including the controller’s office, budget office, purchasing, human resources, facilities management, university police, parking and transportation, emergency services, electric resale and Ramsey Regional Activity Center.