The W names Carla Lowery vice president for operations and chief financial officer

Mississippi University for Women has appointed Carla McGarity Lowery as vice president for operations and chief financial officer (CFO).

“I am pleased to announce the appointment of Carla Lowery as vice president for operations and chief financial officer. With her exceptional leadership skills, proven track record of financial management and dedication to our institution’s mission, I am confident that she will play a crucial role in advancing the university’s strategic goals and ensuring financial sustainability,” said W President Nora Miller.

In her role, Lowery will be a member of the President’s Cabinet and will be responsible for university financial operations, maintenance of financial records while overseeing construction, repairs and renovation projects. She will direct the Office of Finance and Administration, which includes University Accounting, Procurement and Property Control, Facilities Management, Information Technology Services, Institutional Research and Assessment, Emergency Management, the Plymouth Bluff Environmental Center, Food Services and Barnes and Noble.

“I’m honored to be able to serve The W in this capacity. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the education I received right here at The W as an undergraduate student in the Business Administration program. Faculty like Dr. Wendall Smith and Dr. Joyce Hunt taught me to think critically and strategically,” said Lowery.

Lowery has served as interim CFO at The W since May 2023. Since becoming interim, she has created an advisory board of community stakeholders and named a director for Plymouth Bluff, initiated more than $15M in construction projects including campus-wide roofing, exterior restoration and renovation projects, the restoration of the Orr Chapel front porch and initiated a renovation for Jones Hall. Additionally, as SACSCOC accreditation liaison, Lowery led the university in completing the SACSCOC 10-year accreditation self-study.

Since 2001, Lowery has held various leadership positions including chief information officer, emergency management coordinator and director of Institutional Research. As a faculty member, Lowery taught multiple courses, including information systems, MIS projects and database applications.

Additionally, she has served the university through numerous committees and councils including Enrollment Management Council, SACSCOC Steering Committee, Quality Enhancement Plan Selection Committee, President’s Cabinet, Academic Council and Administrative Council.

Lowery, a native of Clay County, holds a Master of Science in Business Administration from Mississippi State University and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Mississippi University for Women.

In addition to her experience and education, Lowery has been recognized for her contributions to the field of higher education, including being awarded the Business Faculty Member of the Year in 2003 and 2006.