NATCHITOCHES – Rodney Wilson has been named chief financial officer at Northwestern State University effective Jan. 3, 2024. He replaces Pat Jones, who is retiring. Wilson’s appointment has been approved by the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System.
The chief financial officer (CFO) is responsible for managing the business and financial services of the university. The position provides collaborative financial management leadership for the university; ensures the short and long-term fiscal health of the University; oversees the business practices of the University and ensures that the budget is linked to and supports the University’s strategic plans.
“Rodney, a Northwestern alumnus, brings a vast array of extensive experience in Business Administration and Computer Information Systems with him to the institution,” said Northwestern State President Dr. Marcus Jones. “Based on his professional experience, Rodney possesses the knowledge and leadership qualities we value, making him the ideal candidate for the next Chief Financial Officer for Northwestern State University.”
Wilson has been finance director for the Sabine Parish School Board since 2012. He was the lead business official for the parish school system reporting directly to the superintendent of schools and managing all financial aspects of the district.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as the next CFO of Northwestern State University and am excited to join Dr. Jones and his team,” said Wilson. “As an alumnus of NSU and a lifelong resident of west central Louisiana, I have an interest in seeing the university continue to succeed and grow. It is my hope that my own children will someday be alumni as well. NSU is vitally important to our region, and I recognize the great responsibility that I have been afforded by this appointment.”
Wilson’s duties as finance director included filing the Annual Financial Report (AFR) with the Louisiana Department of Education, adopting the annual operating budget in accordance with the local government budget act and ensuring audit submission to the Louisiana Legislative Auditor and Federal Audit Clearinghouse. He recommended financial strategy and practices to the superintendent and School Board members, levied property tax millage rates and distributed sales tax collections according to voter approved propositions and ensured securities are adequately pledged for public funds exceeding FDIC $250,000 limit.
As finance director, Wilson invested the appropriate amount of fund balance in interest bearing securities, worked with school board legal counsel on lawsuits and settlements, instructed and approved journal entries, oversaw payroll distribution for all staff in accordance with board adopted salary schedules. He managed comprehensive benefits for all staff which included working with the Teachers’ Retirement System of La, Office of Group Benefits, Louisiana School Employees Retirement System as well as the Supplemental Benefits package.
“I am looking forward to joining the university staff and working with my colleagues to ensure the finance/business office continues to support all other departments, divisions, goals, and the overarching vision of Northwestern State University. I will draw on my experience in educational finance while also leveraging a background in technology to make sound and balanced financial decisions to best serve the needs of all stakeholders.”
Wilson served as president of the Louisiana Association of School Business Officials, chairman of the Cooperative Accounting Management System and commissioner and vice-chairman of the Sabine Parish Sales and Use Tax Commission, He is a member of the Southeastern Association of School Business Officials and Property Casualty Alliance of Louisiana where he was vice-chairman.
Before joining the Sabine Parish School System, he was an analyst and programmer for Amerisafe Inc. in DeRidder and was promoted to senior programmer.
