Nick Hathaway named USAO Vice President of Business and Finance
With over 30 years of dynamic and innovative experience in higher education and workforce development, Nick Hathaway will join the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma as vice president of business and finance.
As vice president, Hathaway will serve as USAO’s chief financial officer. He will also play a pivotal role in guiding key university departments, including the business office, financial aid office, campus security and the physical plant.
"We are thrilled to have Nick join our university,” said President Kayla Hale. “His extensive experience, visionary leadership and commitment to innovation align perfectly with our mission at USAO. With his guidance, we look forward to advancing our dedication to excellence in higher education."
As the founder and CEO of Brio Data Group since July 2018, Hathaway pioneered workforce engagement through cutting-edge data analytics and artificial intelligence. Under his leadership, Brio secured significant funding from the National Science Foundation in 2022, enabling the exploration of innovative approaches to match learners with tailored employment and educational opportunities.
Previously, Hathaway served as the executive vice president at The University of Oklahoma from 1996 to 2018. Through his leadership, OU saw a substantial increase in student retention rates and became a national leader in using data analytics to enhance the student experience. He has also served as special assistant to the president at OU and earlier as press secretary in the U.S. Senate.
"I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the vibrant academic community at USAO,” said Hathaway. “The university's dedication to continuous learning and student success resonates with my own values, and I look forward to collaborating with the talented team at USAO."
Hathaway holds a Master of Business Administration from OU, a Bachelor of Arts in political economy and political science from Tulane University, and a certificate in disruptive innovation from Harvard University.
His commitment to community service is evident in his recent volunteer role as the Sooner District Chair for the Boy Scouts of America. He currently serves as a member of the board of directors for the Oklahoma City National Memorial. Additionally, his community involvement has included vice chairmanships and memberships on various boards, such as the Health Sciences Facilities Inc., Norman Economic Development Coalition, and the State of Oklahoma Higher Education Alumni Council. He is also a recipient of several awards and recognitions, including the 2017 Otis Sullivant Award for Perceptivity from OU, acknowledging his significant contributions and impact.
About the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma
As Oklahoma’s liberal arts college, the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma provides a distinctive education in the liberal arts and sciences, supporting both its interdisciplinary core curriculum and major fields of study with superior teaching. USAO fosters diversity of thought and practice to help students realize meaningful, purposeful and productive lives as global citizens in a rapidly changing world.