After eight years of dedicated service, Steve Trana is stepping down as Union’s vice president for financial administration. As the university takes the time necessary to find the right candidate for this critical role, Elaine Hagele will serve as the interim VP beginning in January.
Hagele is no stranger to Union Adventist University. As vice president for finance at the Mid-America Union from 2006 until her retirement in 2015, she was a trustee of the university and member of the board’s finance committee. Since 2017, Hagele has served on the board of the Midwest Foundation for Higher Education, the organization created to manage the university’s endowments. Her husband, Dr. Lowell Hagele, taught math at Union from 1983 until his retirement in 2007 and served as vice-president for academic administration during part of that time. Her daughter-in-law, Tracy Hagele, is currently the simulation center coordinator in Union’s Nursing Program.
“Words cannot express how grateful I am to Elaine for stepping in and sharing her expertise and experience with us,” said Yami Bazan, university president. “She has a deep love for Union and a proven track record of leadership. I couldn’t have asked for a better partner as we make strategic financial decisions.”
Another long-time member of our campus family, Gary Bollinger, is also returning temporarily to assist in the university’s financial administration. Bollinger retired in 2013 after 24 years of service as vice president for financial administration at Union. Having created many of the systems and reports the university continues to use, he will gather data and advise Hagele and Bazan.
“Gary not only understands our systems but also our culture, history and mission,” Bazan said. “His leadership helped shape our university, and his perspective will help us position Union for the future.”
The search for the next vice president for financial administration will start soon, and the university is already accepting applications. Click here for a full list of current openings at Union.