Susan Bonifield will join the leadership team of Emory University Provost Ravi V. Bellamkonda as senior vice provost for strategic financial and resource planning, following the retirement of Deputy Provost Michael Andrechak, who has led the administration and planning team since 2014. Bellamkonda, who also serves as executive vice president for academic affairs, announced the transition July 27.
Prior to arriving at Emory, Andrechak served as associate chancellor and vice provost for budgets and resource planning at the University of Illinois at Urbana, where he worked for 35 years. In Andrechak’s time at Emory, his experience has provided a unique perspective on the inner workings of universities. His deep knowledge of academic finance has allowed him to identify underutilized funds and redirect them to support key university initiatives and strategic priorities.
Andrechak was also instrumental in classroom and space planning during COVID-19. “In addition to his long-standing, crucial work in university budgeting, Mike was an indispensable part of Emory’s COVID-19 recovery and response team. We’re lucky to have had his steady guidance and expertise to rely upon especially during difficult times,” notes Jan Love, dean of Candler School of Theology and former interim provost and executive vice president of academic affairs.
“Mike has been of the greatest assistance to me as I learn about Emory as its provost. He will be greatly missed,” Bellamkonda states.
“It has been an honor and pleasure to serve Emory,” says Andrechak. “I am happy to be entering retirement after using my knowledge and skills to advance the academic mission of a school I care deeply about.”
Beginning Sept. 1, Bonifield will serve as Bellamkonda’s chief advisor on all matters relating to financial resources and planning processes that support the strong stewardship of Emory’s academic aspirations. She will work closely with deans and academic leaders to ensure the alignment of financial resources and institutional goals and will work with Christa Acampora, deputy provost for academic affairs, to ensure the strategic allocation of resources for the implementation of Emory’s strategic framework.
Bonifield will also be responsible for multi-year budget planning. Space planning, including the use of space for academic programs, new construction, renovations, and changes in occupancy, will also be within her remit.
“My immediate priority will be to listen and learn,” Bonifield says. “The best way for me to support the academic mission will be to build strong partnerships based on transparency and trust with my colleagues in all parts of the university. I am committed to being accessible and available to our schools and units, and I will place a strong focus on collaboration and create a culture of collegiality among my colleagues. Fundamentally, my role is to do whatever I can to support the academic mission.”
Bonifield has spent the last 21 years at Duke University, gaining expertise in financial management and planning first at the Duke Heart Center as senior strategic services associate and administrative director from 2000-2007 before joining the university’s Pratt School of Engineering, where she served as associate dean and then senior associate dean of finance and planning.
Asked what excites her most about joining Emory University, “without a doubt, I am most excited about the people,” Bonifield says. “Emory is known for being a welcoming and warm community, and I have definitely found that to be true. The dedication of the team members I have met so far has been impressive, and I am truly looking forward to becoming a part of the Emory family.”