Brad Cooper has been named chief financial officer at Appalachian State University, with his appointment set to begin on October 6. Chancellor Heather Norris announced the decision after a national search.
“This role requires an individual with vision and high integrity who possesses a strong background in finance, strategic planning and financial management, and we are fortunate to have Brad joining our team,” said Norris. “His background and experience includes more than a decade of increased responsibility in accounting and finance roles in higher education at the University of Alabama in Huntsville and Auburn University, as well as more than three years in the public sector for the Alabama Housing Finance Authority,” she continued.
The chief financial officer at Appalachian State is responsible for all financial aspects of the university. The position oversees budget management, the controller’s office, and procurement services, reporting directly to the chancellor.
Cooper comes from the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), where he most recently served as interim chief financial officer. He also worked at Auburn University and spent over three years with the Alabama Housing Finance Authority. In addition to his administrative work, Cooper has taught accounting courses as an adjunct instructor at UAH College of Business, Auburn University’s Raymond J. Harbert College of Business, and Troy University’s Sorrell College of Business.
He holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accountancy from Auburn University. His credentials include Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designations, along with certifications from national associations focused on higher education finance.
Appalachian State is part of the University of North Carolina System. The university enrolls over 21,000 students across its Boone and Hickory campuses as well as online programs. It offers more than 150 undergraduate majors and over 80 graduate programs while maintaining a low student-to-faculty ratio (https://www.appstate.edu).
