McKnight Named VP for Finance and Administration

Dr. Tanner McKnight has been selected as the new vice president for finance and administration at University of the Ozarks. He began his duties at the University on Jan 2, 2025.

McKnight has served as vice president for operations and finance at Northwest Florida State College in Niceville, Fla., since January of 2023. Prior to that he was vice president for finance and chief financial officer at East Arkansas Community College in Forrest City from 2020-2022.

At U of O, McKnight will be the chief financial officer, serve on the executive management team and lead the University's administrative and finance operations.

"I am honored to serve the oldest institution of higher education in the state of Arkansas," McKnight said. "It is a humbling experience to follow after the great leaders and educators who have all served this institution over the last 190 years. I believe that our students are our priority, and it is my goal to ensure that Ozarks is fiscally positioned to continue providing the highest quality of education to our students for generations to come."

A native of Wynne, Ark., McKnight earned a bachelor's degree in business finance, an MBA and a doctorate in educational leadership, all from Arkansas State University.

He has also served as chief financial officer for the Wynne Public Schools, as an accountant and investment officer for First National Bank of Wynne and as a bank examiner for the Arkansas State Bank Department.

"The mission of University of the Ozarks and the direction set by President [Richard] Dunsworth both closely align to my personal mission of serving postsecondary students and our community," McKnight said. "Finding an institution that shares those values, and in my home state of Arkansas at that, made this position an opportunity I had to pursue."

McKnight and his wife, Kassidy, have six children ages 13 to 3 - Gracelyn, Ethan, Jackson, Noah, Elias, and Everett. His hobbies outside of work include spending time with his wife and kids, DIY house projects, cooking, and fishing.

McKnight replaces former CFO Dr. Gloria Arcia, who resigned in May to accept a position in Rhode Island.

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