Morehead State University Executive and Leadership Team

Mary Fister, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Morehead State University, manages the fiscal health and budgetary operations of the entire institution. Fister oversees the allocation of funds to support student scholarships, campus infrastructure, and the various initiatives of the MSU Foundation. By directing financial planning and analysis, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures that all university departments maintain compliance with regulatory standards while maximizing resource efficiency. This leadership role requires constant coordination with the Board of Directors to evaluate long-term investment strategies and revenue growth opportunities. Mary Fister monitors the financial performance of the University Advancement unit to guarantee that donor contributions effectively fuel university expansion. Through rigorous oversight of institutional assets, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer secures the economic stability necessary for academic excellence. Fister drives fiscal transparency and accountability, providing the essential financial foundation required for the university to thrive in a competitive educational landscape.

Jacob Porter, the President at Morehead State University, provides the overarching strategic direction for the entire academic and administrative organization. Porter leads the executive team in executing the university's mission to foster student success and institutional growth. By overseeing the University Advancement unit, the President ensures that fundraising activities and donor relations remain central to the long-term sustainability of the institution. This leadership role involves representing the university to external stakeholders, including alumni, donors, and regional partners, to advocate for the value of the educational experience. Jacob Porter facilitates collaboration between the MSU Foundation and academic departments to align philanthropic efforts with student needs. Through the promotion of a culture of excellence and innovation, the President drives the strategic initiatives that define the university's market position. Porter maintains a focus on expanding the reach of the alumni community, ensuring that the institution remains a vital, connected hub for graduates and students alike.

Darrell Smith, the Chief Information Officer at Morehead State University, directs the comprehensive digital architecture supporting the campus community. Smith manages the integration of academic software and administrative databases to ensure seamless connectivity for students and faculty. By overseeing the modernization of network security protocols, the Chief Information Officer protects sensitive institutional data against evolving cyber threats. This leadership role involves collaborating with University Advancement to align technical resources with fundraising goals and donor management systems. Darrell Smith optimizes the digital landscape to facilitate efficient communication across the university ecosystem. Through the implementation of scalable cloud solutions, the Chief Information Officer enhances the overall technological capacity of the institution. Smith maintains a focus on digital transformation to support the broader educational objectives of the university, ensuring that all technical operations remain robust, secure, and fully aligned with the strategic vision of the campus leadership team.

Steve Richmond, the Assistant VP, Technology & Chief Information Officer at Morehead State University, architects the specialized technology frameworks required for alumni engagement and donor outreach. Richmond manages the deployment of CRM platforms that track alumni participation in events, volunteer programs, and the Eagle Legacy Program. By overseeing the technical integration of the Alumni Family Scholarship database, the Assistant VP, Technology & Chief Information Officer ensures accurate reporting and data accessibility for the University Advancement team. This leadership role involves streamlining the digital interface between the university and the global alumni community to improve user experience and participation rates. Steve Richmond coordinates with internal stakeholders to implement innovative software solutions that facilitate seamless communication and resource management. Through the optimization of these critical digital tools, the Assistant VP, Technology & Chief Information Officer supports the university's mission to maintain strong, lasting relationships with graduates while driving operational efficiency across all advancement-related technology platforms.