Theresa Ashman, associate vice president of Financial Services, has announced her departure from the University of Utah effective Dec. 3. Ashman first joined the university in 2007 as controller, a position she held until 2011. She later returned to Financial Services in 2021 as associate vice president. In the four years she has led the Financial Services division, Ashman has overseen several significant initiatives designed to strengthen and streamline business operations in support of the university’s big three goals.

These initiatives include leading a massive digitizing project to reduce the division’s reliance on paper and physical storage for financial records; centralizing and systematizing the division’s communication, training, and outreach efforts; moving most Financial Services employees to a newly renovated, hybrid-first workspace in the Park Building—the first of its kind on campus; and guiding the adoption of industry-standard finance systems and processes consistent with the U’s status as an R1 institution and member of the American Association of Universities.

“Theresa’s leadership of Financial Services has been transformational,” said Cathy Anderson, chief financial officer. “She’s brought a forward-looking, future-focused approach that has greatly improved our business processes and systems. Most importantly, she’s built and nurtured teams of professionals who are elevating Financial Services’ ability to meet needs across campus. Theresa’s impact will be felt for years to come, and we wish her all the best.”

Ashman’s involvement in the employee experience has not been limited to the teams she led in Financial Services. Attendees of Employee Appreciation Day at Rice-Eccles Stadium may recall her as the drummer in the cover bands that provide music for the yearly event—one of her favorite ways to contribute to the overall employee experience at the U.

Ashman has also participated in leading student groups on Alternative Break offered on campus through the Bennion Center. Alternative Breaks engage University of Utah students, faculty, and staff in community engagement and experiential learning over school breaks.

While the search for Ashman’s successor proceeds, Financial Services will be led by an interim leadership team comprised of Steven Phillips, controller; Terri O’Toole, senior director of Procurement and Supply Chain; and John Nilsson, senior director of Communication, Training, and Outreach.