Brenau University Executive and Leadership Team

Wayne Dempsey, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Brenau University, manages the fiscal health and long-term financial planning of the institution. Overseeing budget allocation and resource management, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures the university maintains a sustainable economic model to support its liberal arts mission. Dempsey directs financial reporting and audit processes, providing transparency to the Board and stakeholders. By optimizing revenue streams and controlling operational costs, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer secures the capital necessary for campus expansion and facility improvements. This role involves balancing immediate financial requirements with the strategic vision for future growth. Through rigorous fiscal analysis, Dempsey mitigates financial risk while identifying opportunities for investment in academic programs. The Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer also coordinates with other senior leaders to ensure that financial decisions directly support the university's commitment to student-centered education and institutional stability.

Ed Schrader, the President Emeritus at Brenau University, provides historical perspective and strategic guidance to the current leadership team. Maintaining deep connections with alumni and institutional partners, the President Emeritus supports the university's ongoing development and fundraising efforts. Schrader offers insights based on years of academic leadership, helping to preserve the core values of the liberal arts tradition. By participating in key advisory capacities, the President Emeritus ensures continuity in the university's mission and cultural identity. This role involves representing the institution at major events and fostering relationships that contribute to the long-term success of the university. Through mentorship and advocacy, Schrader reinforces the institutional legacy while supporting modern initiatives. The President Emeritus also assists in navigating complex institutional transitions, ensuring that the university remains grounded in its founding principles while adapting to the changing needs of students and the broader academic community.

John Burd, the President at Brenau University, defines the overarching strategic vision and academic direction of the institution. Overseeing all university operations, the President ensures that the liberal arts curriculum remains relevant and impactful for students. Burd leads the executive team in executing initiatives that promote growth, academic excellence, and community engagement. By representing the university to external stakeholders and the public, the President builds partnerships that enhance the institution's reputation. This leadership role involves setting institutional priorities and fostering an environment conducive to scholarly achievement. Through consistent engagement with faculty and staff, Burd drives the university toward its goals of innovation and student success. The President also manages the relationship with the Board, ensuring that all strategic decisions align with the university's mission. By championing the values of the institution, John Burd secures the future of the university as a premier destination for higher education.

Jody Wall, the Chief of Staff at Brenau University, coordinates high-level administrative initiatives across the institution. Managing internal communications and cross-departmental workflows, the Chief of Staff ensures alignment with the broader academic mission. Wall facilitates executive decision-making processes by synthesizing data from various campus divisions. By streamlining operational protocols, the Chief of Staff supports the university's commitment to providing quality liberal arts education. This role involves frequent collaboration with the President to execute long-term institutional goals. Through meticulous oversight of daily administrative functions, Wall maintains organizational efficiency across all campuses. The Chief of Staff also monitors progress on key strategic projects, ensuring that university resources remain focused on student success. By fostering clear communication channels, Wall strengthens the operational foundation of the institution, ultimately driving the university toward its long-term growth objectives within the competitive higher education landscape.

Chip Andrews, the Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer at Brenau University, directs the digital infrastructure supporting modern academic delivery. Overseeing cybersecurity protocols and network reliability, the Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer ensures seamless access to online learning platforms for students across diverse geographic regions. Andrews manages the integration of educational technology to enhance classroom experiences and administrative productivity. By modernizing data systems, the Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer supports the university's transition toward advanced digital learning models. This leadership role requires constant evaluation of emerging technologies to maintain a competitive edge in the higher education sector. Through strategic investment in hardware and software, Andrews secures the integrity of institutional data. The Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer also collaborates with academic leadership to align technical capabilities with the evolving needs of the liberal arts curriculum, ensuring robust support for all campus operations.