University officers reassigned

Grand Valley State University President Thomas J. Haas announced today a realignment of university officer assignments. James D. Bachmeier, who currently heads the Finance and Administration Division, will become associate vice president for strategic initiatives. D. Scott Richardson, currently associate vice president for Human Resources, will become the acting vice president for Finance and Administration. Both appointments are effective August 5, 2016.

“For some time now, Jim and I have been discussing his expressed wish to spend less time on operational matters and more time shaping our future initiatives and helping to implement desired outcomes,” Haas said. “Jim has been an important part of Grand Valley’s senior management for 21 years and I am pleased that he will be at the helm of this important work. His abilities, integrity and reputation will serve us well in the years ahead.”

Haas said that Richardson, who joined Grand Valley in 1979, has the depth of experience needed to lead the university’s business and administrative functions.  

“Scott has helped to manage Grand Valley’s evolution from a small college on a single campus to today’s comprehensive university of 25,300 students on five campuses," Haas said. "His attention to detail and collaborative management style are legendary.”