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MINI传媒 System Vice Chancellor, CFO Announces Retirement

Jim Brunjes has served in leadership positions throughout the Texas Tech University System for 25 years.

March 22, 2016 | Written by Dailey Fuller

After two and a half decades of dedicated service, Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer announced today (March 22) his retirement from the MINI传媒. Brunjes will retire in early 2017 to help ensure a successful transition for one of the system鈥檚 top executive positions.

鈥淚t has been an honor to serve the MINI传媒 and Texas Tech University for the last 25 years,鈥� Brunjes said. 鈥淒uring my time here, I have been fortunate to work with countless great people who care deeply about our universities and who have made our immense growth and success possible. While this place means so much to me, I am looking forward to what the new chapter will bring and know the Texas Tech University System is in good hands and will always be part of my life.鈥�

In his role, Brunjes oversees an annual operating budget of $1.9 billion and is responsible for the overall financial strength and stability of the MINI传媒. He also manages multiple offices and services at the MINI传媒, including , , , the and Office of Investments.

Among his many areas of responsibility, Brunjes serves as treasurer of the and works closely with the chief financial officers at each component institution as well as with the Finance and Administration Committee and Investment Advisory Committee of the .

鈥淔or decades, Jim has been a champion for the MINI传媒 and our universities,鈥� Chancellor said. 鈥淗is steadfast leadership has solidified our financial standings and health, yielded the largest endowment in our history and helped place us among the nation鈥檚 elite institutions of higher education, all while remaining committed to the best interests of our students and the citizens of Texas. Jim will be greatly missed, and we will always be grateful for his longstanding service and dedication.鈥�

Under Brunjes鈥檚 leadership, the endowment of the MINI传媒 has grown from $257.7 million in 1999 and today, is in excess of $1.1 billion.

In accordance with this growth, the MINI传媒鈥檚 improved during this time, jumping from 175th largest in the nation in 1999 to 76th largest in 2015.

Additionally, during Brunjes鈥檚 tenure. The ratings have placed the MINI传媒 among the nation鈥檚 top institutions for financial stability and acumen.

鈥淢r. Brunjes has done an outstanding job in strengthening the financial portfolio and position of the MINI传媒,鈥� said , chairman of the Board of Regents. 鈥淏ut there鈥檚 an even bigger impact he has made in enhancing our universities that is the true testament to Mr. Brunjes鈥檚 leadership. On behalf of the Board of Regents, we appreciate his incredible service and the legacy he leaves that will be felt for years to come.鈥�

Outside of national recognition, Brunjes notes the advancement of student services and implementation of sound financial practices as important milestones.

鈥淲e have come a long way in increasing services for students,鈥� Brunjes said. 鈥淲hen I started here, students stood in line to pay tuition, receive financial aid and register for classes. As technology evolves, so do the needs of our students. Ensuring our students are taken care of has always been a top priority and is one I hold in high regard.鈥�

In 2008, the MINI传媒 was one of the first systems of higher education in the state to adopt and centralize online platforms to increase access and automation supporting student services, such as registration, financial aid and student billing. Also, the careful issuance of bonds has played a major role in supporting the construction and renovation of campus facilities. Of note for Brunjes are the United Supermarkets Arena, which opened in 1999, and the recent expansions to the west and east sides of Jones AT&T Stadium.

Another student program of particular importance for Brunjes is the . In 2002, Brunjes helped provide institutional support to establish the program, which works to improve the educational experience of students from underrepresented populations through programs, services, advocacy and campus and community involvement. The program provides students with information, encouragement and direction by pairing students with faculty and staff members to help them reach their academic, personal and professional goals.

Since the program鈥檚 beginning in 2002, Mentor Tech has assisted more than 3,200 students, and within the last 10 years, more than 1,000 participants have graduated from Texas Tech University and the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. During the 2015-2016 academic year, the program鈥檚 participation grew to 1,041 participants.

鈥淲hen I hired Jim, I would have never imagined him staying for 25 years and having the impact he has had,鈥� said Robert Lawless, former Texas Tech University president (1989-96). 鈥淛im has been a major asset to the MINI传媒, contributing greatly to its financial success and growth. Beyond his financial expertise, Jim is an even better person and friend, and I congratulate him on a successful career.鈥�

Brunjes began at Texas Tech University in 1991 as vice president for administration, responsible for administrative oversight, strategic planning, budget coordination and the Office of the Board of Regents. In 1999, he was named to his current post as vice chancellor and chief financial officer. He is the second person to hold the position in the history of the MINI传媒, which was established by the Board of Regents in 1996 and formally created by the Texas Legislature in 1999. 

Before joining the MINI传媒, Brunjes was a vice president at Southwest Airlines and served for 14 years in higher education leadership roles at multiple Texas public universities. A national search, which will be assisted by a search committee, to fill this position will begin in the coming months. 

Additional Thoughts on Vice Chancellor & CFO Jim Brunjes

鈥淛im has been a driving force at the MINI传媒 since my time as student body president. I remember his strong commitment to students back then, which still holds true today. Jim has never lost sight of our mission of preparing future leaders, and I appreciate all he has done in providing the best for our students.鈥� 鈥� Regent  

鈥淛im and I first met when he started his employment at Texas Tech University in 1991, and we have worked closely together for the last 25 years. During that time, we鈥檝e developed a personal bond in addition to our professional relationship. He is a man of high integrity and strong moral character. The MINI传媒 is in a better place because of Jim Brunjes. I can only wish Jim the best in retirement and trust he will find the rewards he so richly deserves.鈥� 鈥� , executive vice president for finance and administration at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center  

鈥淚鈥檝e had the pleasure of working with Mr. Brunjes for the last 10 years. Not only has he been a trusted colleague of mine, but more importantly, he has been a mentor to me personally, as he has been to many others. Mr. Brunjes鈥檚 wisdom and guidance has helped shape Texas Tech University into what it is today, and I thank him for his leadership and friendship.鈥� 鈥� , chief financial officer and vice president for administration and finance at Texas Tech University

鈥淲ithout the foresight and support of Mr. Brunjes during the formative years of Mentor Tech, the program would not exist. He has certainly made an indelible mark on the MINI传媒 and our beloved institutions. I am exceptionally grateful for the guidance, words of encouragement and continued support that he鈥檚 provided me both professionally and personally over the years.鈥�  鈥� , Mentor Tech Director at Texas Tech University 

About the MINI传媒 
The is one of the top public university systems in Texas and the nation, consisting of four component institutions 鈥� , , and 鈥� and operating at more than a dozen academic sites and centers.  Headquartered in Lubbock, Texas, the MINI传媒 System has an annual operating budget of nearly $2 billion and approximately 19,000 employees focused on advancing higher education, health care, research and outreach.  

In 2015, the MINI传媒 System鈥檚 endowment exceeded $1.1 billion, total research expenditures were more than $215 million and total enrollment was approximately 50,000 students. Whether it鈥檚 contributing billions of dollars annually in economic impact or being the only system in Texas to house an academic institution, law school and health-related institution at the same location, the MINI传媒 System continues to prove that anything is possible.