Dr. Martha Lavender, president of Gadsden State Community College, has announced Kevin McFry as the new dean of Financial and Administrative Services. He replaces the long-time dean, Dr. Jim Prucnal, who retired in February.
“Kevin has a long history of excellence in financial management at higher learning institutions,” Lavender said. “He is an accomplished accounting professional who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new position. We know he will be a great addition to the Gadsden State family.”
McFry comes to Gadsden State from Jacksonville State University, where he has been an employee since 1998. There, he worked as a bursar, financial systems manager and assistant controller. His most recent position was controller of JSU, a position he held for almost four years. McFry also worked for several years in corporate, public and retail accounting.
“I know I will be working with a great team at Gadsden State, and I am humbled to be given this opportunity,” he said.
McFry was educated at Gadsden State, where he earned an Associate in Science in Business Administration. He then transferred to JSU, where he completed requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration. He went onto work at several different companies in Calhoun County, including the Nolen Companies and Kemp & Associates, before embarking on his career in higher education at JSU.
“I learned a lot and had a variety of different experiences at JSU that has prepared me for serving as Gadsden State’s financial dean,” McFry said. “After the tornado, we have had over 100 projects going on at JSU. As a result, I had daily dealings with Physical Plant employees, which is part of my responsibility at Gadsden State.”
In addition for being responsible for facilities and grounds at all six of Gadsden State’s campuses and educational sites, he also serves as the chief financial officer and treasurer ensuring compliance with
state and federal guidelines as well as the fiscal procedures required by the Alabama Community College System. He provides executive oversight and leadership of all financial and administrative service areas including ongoing development, maintenance and revision as needed. He also manages auxiliary services, including operations and management of campus bookstores and food and vending services, as well as business services, such as insurance, facility and equipment inventory, master planning and utilities.
“I am familiar with Gadsden State and I already know several faculty and staff members through professional and industry organizations,” he said. “I’m excited about this new opportunity.”
McFry is a certified public accountant in the state of Alabama and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants. He is a member of the Piedmont Health Care Authority Board of Directors and vice president of Alabama Banner User Group. He is past president and past secretary/treasurer of the Alabama Association of College and University Business Officers and a graduate of College Business Management Institute and Leadership Calhoun County.
He is married to his wife of 32 years, Kim, and they are parents to two adult children. The McFrys reside in Piedmont.
Gadsden, Alabama
