Last Updated on September 4, 2025 11:15 am
BOONE, N.C. — Brad Cooper, CPA, CGMA has been appointed chief financial officer at Appalachian State University after a national search, Chancellor Heather Norris announced on Friday, Sept. 5. The appointment is effective Oct. 6.
“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 is responsible for overseeing all financial aspects of the university, ensuring financial health and stability, and supporting the institution's mission and goals. The position reports to the chancellor and has direct oversight of the Office of Budget Management, the Office of the Controller and Procurement Services.
Cooper currently serves at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), where he has worked for more than four years, most recently as the interim chief financial officer. Previously, he served at Auburn University, and his professional experience also includes more than three years in the public sector for the Alabama Housing Finance Authority. He has also taught accounting courses as an adjunct instructor in the UAH College of Business, in Auburn University’s Raymond J. Harbert College of Business and in Troy University’s Sorrell College of Business.
Cooper holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in accountancy and a Master of Accountancy, both from Auburn University. His professional licensure portfolio includes: Certified Public Accountant, Chartered Global Management Accountant, National Association of College and University Business Officers Strategic Higher Education Finance and Planning and the Southern Association of College and University Business Officers College Business Management Institute.
