In the latest of a slew of administrative appointments, university President Wallace Loh announced a new vice president for administrative affairs, the official who serves as this university’s chief fiscal and administrative officer.
Robert Specter, vice president for finance at the University of Delaware, will take charge Sept. 1. University officials said because Specter has a long history serving in that capacity at various schools, they are confident he is the right man for the job.
“I know that he brings a wealth of experience at four prior institutions,” said Frank Brewer, the acting vice president for administrative affairs. “I think the experience, energy and enthusiasm will be a great asset.”
Specter has served in comparable positions at Baruch College of the City University of New York, Oregon State University, Montana State University and the Iowa Board of Regents, giving him more than 25 years of senior leadership in higher education.
A press release disseminated Friday stated that one of Specter’s first tasks will be to develop the budget for fiscal year 2013. As a long-term project, he will work with community and business leaders to revamp local neighborhoods to improve safety near the campus.
Additionally, the position is charged with helping oversee major campus initiatives, such as improving sustainability and aiding the 38-acre East Campus development project that will bring more hotels and businesses to the city. Some of Loh’s recently created revitalization task forces address advancing these plans.
Specter said it is too early to formulate specific goals, adding that he does plan to focus on working with community leaders to develop East Campus and expedite construction of the proposed Purple Line that would bring a light-rail system through the campus.
However, he said his overarching goal is to please the community he serves.
“My focus will be on excellence in customer service and helping the Maryland community achieve its aspirations,” he said.
Vice President for Student Affairs Linda Clement, who chaired the search committee, said she thinks Specter will be a welcome addition to the administration.
“He’s very engaging, very intelligent, very constructive,” Clement said. “I think he’s going to be a great vice president.”
Specter will take the helm from Brewer, who postponed his retirement to assume the role of acting vice president for administrative affairs in addition to his duties as Facilities Management director. Brewer will stay at the university for a limited time to assure a smooth leadership transition.
Specter said he chose this university because of its high academic standing, commending the school’s numerous programs and services.
“[The] University of Maryland leadership is pretty visionary,” Specter said. “I’m excited to come to the university.”
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