By Joseph Lyell —

The University of Louisville has announced Jonathan Pruitt will serve as chief financial officer beginning Jan. 16, 2018. He is currently senior vice president for finance and budget at the University of North Carolina, where he has been since 2006.

Pruitt heads financial and business affairs at UNC, controlling an operating budget of $10 billion. The announcement from U of L also said Pruitt was credited with “significant improvements in areas ranging from financial transparency to operational efficiencies.”

Pruitt is from Pikeville, Kentucky, and received his Bachelor of Arts from Centre College and his Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Kentucky.

“The University of Louisville is a remarkable institution, and I am honored, humbled and excited to assume this role,” Pruitt said. “As the higher education landscape becomes increasingly competitive, successful public institutions must be able to demonstrate their value proposition to students, families and taxpayers. U of L is well-positioned to enhance the social and economic mobility of the state and I look forward to joining President Postel and his team in the work ahead.”

Louisville’s previous CFO, Harlan Sands, parted ways with the university in December 2016. In the meantime, Susan Howarth has been serving as interim CFO.

Interim President Greg Postel stressed the importance of Pruitt’s skills in relation to transparency.

“We are thrilled to be able to bring someone with Mr. Pruitt’s credentials to the university,” said Postel.

“His expertise will be vital as we continue to streamline our financial processes and ensure we are accountable to our campus community and the citizens of Kentucky.”

Photo courtesy of University of Louisville