Troy Bruun will join the University of Missouri-Kansas City as vice chancellor for finance and administration on March 31. With more than 30 years of leadership experience in higher education and government finance, Bruun brings a proven track record of strategic financial management, operational excellence and transformational budgeting to UMKC.
Bruun most recently served as associate vice president for finance, administration and operations at Wichita State University, where he led the university’s financial strategy, budget management and capital development. He also played a crucial role in the financing of Wichita State’s Innovation Campus, which transformed a 120-acre site into a thriving research hub with more than 50 industry partners. Due in part to that project, that campus experienced a 262% increase in research expenditures from 2019 to 2024.
“Troy’s extensive experience in financial leadership, strategic planning, and operational management will be invaluable as UMKC continues to strengthen its fiscal stewardship and institutional growth,” said UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal, Ph.D. “His ability to lead large-scale financial operations and drive innovative budgeting solutions will help position UMKC for long-term success.”
In addition to his role at Wichita State, Bruun held leadership roles with the city of Wichita, Sedgwick County and the city of Ankeny, where he drove cost-saving initiatives, improved financial processes and led multimillion-dollar capital projects.
As vice chancellor for finance and administration at UMKC, Bruun will oversee key financial and administrative functions including budgeting, financial planning, procurement, facilities operations, campus safety and more. His leadership will be critical in ensuring that UMKC continues to operate with fiscal responsibility while advancing its academic mission and strategic initiatives.
“I am honored to join UMKC and contribute to its ongoing success," Bruun said "I look forward to collaborating with the university's leadership, faculty and staff to enhance financial strategies, operational efficiencies and the quality and timing of management information needed by all decision makers in support of UMKC's growth and excellence.”
Bruun holds a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in finance from Wichita State University and a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from Iowa State University. He is a certified public accountant and a chartered global management accountant, and he remains an active member of professional finance and higher education associations.