Robert Edwards, Western Carolina University’s longtime internal auditor who has been serving as interim vice chancellor for administration and finance since Jan. 1, is interim no more.
Chancellor David O. Belcher recently announced that Edwards now is filling the role of vice chancellor for administration and finance on a permanent basis, effective July 1.
Edwards had served as the university’s internal auditor for 27 years before accepting an interim appointment to succeed Chuck Wooten, who stepped down from the vice chancellor’s position after 30 years of service to WCU’s administration and finance division.
“Given current budget challenges and the number of other interim appointments on our campus, including several in administration and finance, I asked Robert to serve in this role in a permanent capacity,” Belcher said in an announcement to campus.
“Robert’s experience in the Division of Administration and Finance will bring the stability, continuity and institutional knowledge necessary to allow me to focus on our academic mission and other immediate matters at hand,” he said. “When Robert leaves this position, the university will conduct a search for a permanent replacement.”
Born and raised in Jackson County, Edwards is a 1977 graduate of WCU with a degree in business administration. He graduated from Sylva-Webster High School in 1973.
“As a native of Western North Carolina, I am honored to accept this appointment at my alma mater, which has a long, proud tradition of educating and serving the people of this region,” Edwards said.
The Division of Administration and Finance comprises the university’s financial and business services functions, including the controller’s office, budget office, purchasing, human resources, physical plant, university police, Ramsey Regional Activity Center and all auxiliary services such as dining, printing and mail operations.