MSU Finance employees Lane Adams and Robert Haight have been selected to participate in the prestigious 2024-25 cohort of the National Association of College and University Business Officers, or NACUBO, Emerging Leaders Program.

The NACUBO Emerging Leaders Program is a premier leadership development experience aimed at high-potential finance and business professionals at NACUBO-member institutions. As higher education faces evolving financial challenges, the program equips participants with advanced leadership skills, enhancing their ability to navigate financial stewardship, strategic planning, and student success. The curriculum also fosters collaboration across campuses and expands participants’ professional networks, making it an invaluable opportunity for those seeking to advance their careers in higher education.

“MSU Finance is thrilled to announce the selection of Lane Adams and Robert Haight to NACUBO’s Emerging Leaders Program,” said Lisa Frace, MSU senior vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer. “This distinguished program will not only benefit Lane and Robert in their professional journeys but also contribute to the continued success and innovation of our university.”

Lane Adams serves as interim director of the Department of Treasury and Financial Management, where she oversees the daily operations of treasury services. As the primary liaison between MSU and its banking partners, Adams manages operating cash flows, implements cash management initiatives and administers the university’s endowments. Her role also includes overseeing debt management activities to ensure compliance with agreements and issuing new debt as needed.

Robert Haight is director of budget forecasting and analysis in the Office of Financial Planning and Budget, where he leads the planning, budgeting, and forecasting of MSU’s key revenue and expenditure categories, with a particular focus on tuition and fees. He also facilitates the budget process, manages allocations to units, and supervises a team of budget analysts, ensuring that resources are efficiently aligned with institutional goals.

Now in its fourth year, the NACUBO Emerging Leaders Program continues to provide higher education finance professionals with the tools, resources, and frameworks to enhance their leadership capabilities. MSU has had participants in the program since its inception, including Erin Mattens (2022-23 cohort) and Beth Powers (2023-24 cohort), both in the Controller’s Office.

“This is an excellent opportunity for Lane and Robert that not only highlights their individual talent and dedication but also reflects our commitment at MSU Finance to fostering leadership and professional growth within our team,” said Frace. “By investing in the development of emerging leaders, we ensure that MSU Finance remains innovative and forward-thinking, positioning us for continued success in the ever-evolving higher education landscape.”

The 2024-25 NACUBO Emerging Leaders cohort, representing 64 higher education institutions across 31 states, will engage in both virtual and in-person sessions through April 2025. The program is part of NACUBO’s broader mission to strengthen and diversify the pipeline of chief business officers across higher education.

NACUBO President and CEO Kara D. Freeman emphasized the program's growing impact: “The Emerging Leaders Program is a highly selective professional development opportunity, and our largest cohort yet is a testament to the caliber of this year’s participants. We’re proud to offer a comprehensive and in-demand program that prepares the next generation of higher education business and finance leaders.”

This story originally ran on the Finance Office website.