Brenau University Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Brenau University has 5 executives leading key functions including administrative operations, financial management, information technology, and institutional legacy.

Rooted in a liberal arts tradition, Brenau University advances academic excellence through diverse graduate and undergraduate programs while maintaining a historic commitment to the residential Women's College experience.

Leadership Roles at Brenau University

  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Wayne Dempsey
  • President Emeritus - John Burd
  • President Emeritus - Ed Schrader
  • Chief of Staff - Jody Wall
  • Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer - Chip Andrews
  • Wayne Dempsey - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Wayne Dempsey, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Brenau University, directs all fiscal planning and resource allocation strategies. Dempsey oversees the financial health of the institution, managing budgets that support both the residential Women's College and online degree programs. By optimizing revenue streams and controlling expenditures, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures long-term sustainability for the university. Wayne Dempsey collaborates with academic leadership to fund new initiatives and infrastructure improvements. This position requires precise management of endowment assets and operational capital to maintain the institution's competitive market position. Through careful financial forecasting, Dempsey mitigates institutional risk while promoting growth. The Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer maintains transparency in reporting, providing the necessary data for informed decision-making. Ultimately, Dempsey secures the financial foundation that allows the university to deliver high-quality liberal arts education.
    Wayne Dempsey

    John Burd - President Emeritus

    John Burd, the President Emeritus at Brenau University, provides historical perspective and strategic counsel to the current leadership team. Burd maintains deep connections with the alumni network, fostering long-term engagement and philanthropic support for the institution. By leveraging decades of academic experience, the President Emeritus assists in preserving the core values of the liberal arts mission. John Burd participates in high-level advisory sessions, offering insights that inform current institutional development. This role focuses on maintaining the university's reputation and legacy within the broader academic community. Through continued advocacy, the President Emeritus strengthens the university's standing among regional stakeholders. Burd supports the transition of new initiatives by providing context on past successes and institutional growth patterns. Ultimately, the President Emeritus ensures that the university remains grounded in its foundational principles while adapting to the evolving needs of modern students.
    John Burd

    Ed Schrader - President Emeritus

    Ed Schrader, the President Emeritus at Brenau University, serves as a senior advisor on institutional advancement and academic expansion. Schrader focuses on cultivating external partnerships that enhance the university's visibility and influence in the regional education sector. By sharing expertise on curriculum development and campus culture, the President Emeritus contributes to the ongoing success of the Women's College and graduate programs. Ed Schrader engages with donors and community leaders to secure resources that support future academic projects. This leadership role involves mentoring emerging administrators and providing guidance on complex institutional challenges. Through consistent involvement in university affairs, the President Emeritus helps maintain continuity in strategic vision. Schrader promotes the institution's commitment to liberal arts excellence, ensuring that the university's impact remains significant. Ultimately, the President Emeritus secures the enduring legacy of the institution through dedicated service and strategic counsel.
    Ed Schrader

    Jody Wall - Chief of Staff

    Jody Wall, the Chief of Staff at Brenau University, coordinates high-level administrative initiatives to ensure institutional alignment with strategic goals. Wall manages internal communications and facilitates cross-departmental collaboration to support the liberal arts mission. By streamlining executive workflows, the Chief of Staff enables the leadership team to focus on academic growth and student success. Jody Wall monitors operational efficiency across campuses, ensuring that university resources support the broader educational objectives. This role involves frequent interaction with the Board of Trustees to translate vision into actionable policy. Through rigorous oversight of administrative projects, the Chief of Staff maintains organizational stability. Wall drives the implementation of institutional priorities, fostering a cohesive environment that benefits both faculty and students. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff secures the operational integrity required for the university to thrive in a competitive higher education landscape.

    Chip Andrews - Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer

    Chip Andrews, the Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer at Brenau University, architects the digital infrastructure supporting modern academic delivery. Andrews manages enterprise systems, cybersecurity protocols, and network reliability across all campus locations. By integrating advanced learning management tools, the Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer enhances the student experience in both physical and virtual classrooms. Chip Andrews leads the digital transformation strategy, ensuring that faculty possess the technological resources required for innovative instruction. This role involves coordinating with administrative departments to automate processes and improve data accessibility. Through the implementation of scalable cloud solutions, Andrews supports the university's expansion into broader markets. The Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer maintains robust systems that protect institutional data integrity. Ultimately, Andrews drives the technological evolution necessary for the university to remain a leader in contemporary higher education.
    Chip Andrews

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Brenau University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Brenau University?
    Brenau University is led by Wayne Dempsey (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as John Burd (President Emeritus) and Ed Schrader (President Emeritus).
    Who is part of Brenau University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Brenau University includes leaders such as Wayne Dempsey (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), John Burd (President Emeritus), Ed Schrader (President Emeritus) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Brenau University have?
    Brenau University has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Brenau University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Brenau University includes roles such as Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, President Emeritus, President Emeritus, Chief of Staff, Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer.