TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Dr. Dan Layzell will join The University of Alabama as vice president for finance and operations and treasurer starting Sept. 30, pending approval by the Compensation Committee of The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees.
Layzell brings more than two decades of experience in administration, strategic planning and financial oversight in higher education. He comes to UA following time at Appalachian State University where he was appointed vice chancellor of finance and operations in 2022. Before that, he served in executive financial leadership roles at Louisiana State University, Illinois State University and Cornell College.
“Dr. Layzell’s extensive experience and proven leadership in higher education finance and operations make him a tremendous addition to our team,” said UA President Stuart R. Bell. “His strategic vision, track record of financial stewardship and commitment to fostering innovative partnerships will be key in enhancing our operational excellence and driving our mission forward.”
At Appalachian State, where Layzell was responsible for a staff of more than 500 employees in the Division of Finance and Operations, he led public-private partnership initiatives to finance and develop a faculty-staff housing complex and a zero-carbon district energy system in the university’s Innovation District. Layzell was also responsible for major initiatives that modernized and upgraded the administrative information systems at Louisiana State and Illinois State.
Layzell has a doctorate in higher education administration from Florida State University and a master’s in labor and industrial relations from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He said he is delighted to join UA.
“The University has a tremendous profile nationally and internationally, and the positive momentum here only continues to grow,” Layzell said. “I am excited to become part of Dr. Bell’s leadership team and look forward to the important work ahead to keep UA moving onward and upward.”
As the vice president for finance and operations, and treasurer, Layzell will be the chief business officer for UA and report directly to the president. In support and collaboration with the president and his executive team, the position advances the mission and vision of UA and provides executive-level leadership, strategic direction, and management oversight for all aspects of the University’s financial and operational resources.
Layzell will lead UA’s Division of Finance and Operations, which includes more than 1,300 team members across nine departments, including all aspects of finance, business analytics and process improvement, compliance and risk services, campus development, enterprise operations, facilities and grounds, human resources, public safety, and shared administrative services.
The University of Alabama, part of The University of Alabama System, is the state’s flagship university. UA shapes a better world through its teaching, research and service. With a global reputation for excellence, UA provides an inclusive, forward-thinking environment and nearly 200 degree programs on a beautiful, student-centered campus. A leader in cutting-edge research, UA advances discovery, creative inquiry and knowledge through more than 30 research centers. As the state’s largest higher education institution, UA drives economic growth in Alabama and beyond.