Closing the books
Posted: November 14, 2014
ATSU’s financial guru retires
More than three decades of institutional history and financial know-how can be found in the cozy, crafty office of Monnie Harrison. Harrison’s desk is neatly stacked with paperwork and color-coded file folders.
As ATSU’s CFO and vice president for finance, it’s safe to say Harrison, CPA, sees her fair share of numbers and dollar signs à la budgets, financial statements, and bond issues. Now, after 32 ½ years with the University, Harrison decided it’s time to close the books.
“I have two young grandchildren, and I just want to spend time with them. I want to spend time with my family and travel,” says Harrison, who will spend part of her first month off on an all-girls trip with her two sisters in Florida. “Thirty-two years is a long time to stay one place, and there’s probably new ways of doing things. A new set of eyes is a good thing to have.”
But taking it easy in retirement may not be easy. A self-proclaimed workaholic, Harrison is known for her unyielding dedication. Even on vacation days she might stop by her office for an hour … And then work a full shift on a Saturday.
She admits that on her first day as a retiree she’ll still wake up at the same time and drive down Osteopathy Street thinking she needs to go to work.
“I am thankful for the career I’ve had,” she says. “It will be hard, though. It will be quite a change for me; it’s been such a big part of my life.”
Honored to be the Grand Marshall at KCOM’s commencement in May, this was Harrison’s first time attending a graduation.
The ever-upbeat Harrison worked her way through an evolution of financial positions at ATSU since 1982. She helped maintain the University’s financial stability through countless expansions and reorganizations and walked alongside five presidents, guiding them in financial matters. Harrison says it has been both challenging and rewarding to balance the growth while protecting the University’s financial position and resources.
Her strict adherence to ethics is what defines her. Harrison’s time at ATSU revolved around closely knit relationships with the president, Board of Trustees, legal counsel, auditors, and 25 staff members she manages. She is trusted with valuable and confidential information and relied upon for accurate and timely data reporting—the very facts and figures used to make ATSU’s most important decisions.
“We will no longer be able to say, ‘Let’s check with Monnie,’ when it comes to asking important financial questions affecting ATSU,” says ATSU President Craig M. Phelps, DO, ’84. “However, her positive impact on the University will last generations.”
Harrison’s enviable financial career may have given her the corner on the market, but she offers solid parting advice for her successor and the University: “Maintain integrity and with that will come respect,” says Harrison.
Harrison’s official retirement date was Sept. 30.