Last week, Drake’s All Staff Council Recognition Committee celebrated the Controller’s Office with a surprise treat delivery, compliments of Drake Dining. This spotlight provides a few fast fact about the Controller’s Office. Thank you to the team for everything they do to make Drake a great place!

How many staff members are in the department? 13

What is the primary function of the team? Do you have a mission/vision/motto?

The Controller’s Office consists of the following functions: Student Accounts and Cashiering Services, Accounting and Accounts Payable, Payroll Services, and Financial Reporting and Compliance. Each of these offices have very unique functions that serve our community in different ways.

• The Office of Student Accounts and Cashiering Services consists of five staff members: Jana Brem, Director of Student Account Services; Donna Knight-Donovan, Cashier; Sheila Govoni, Student Accounts Consultant; Terri Smith, Student Accounts Consultant; and Anthony Leto, Student Accounts Collection and Loan Specialist. This office is committed to assisting our students, families, and community as they transact business with the University and assume financial responsibility for their education. Primary responsibilities of this office include the billing and collecting of tuition, fees, and other related charges and servicing of student accounts.
• The Accounting and Accounts Payable Office consists of six staff members: Erica McGowan, Associate Controller; Stacy Bauer, Senior Accountant; Jill Burkle, Staff Accountant; Jeni Baugher, Accounts Payable Supervisor; Shelly Biondi, Accounting Clerk; and Suzanne Stewart, Accounts Payable Clerk. The Accounting Department is responsible for the integrity of the University’s financial records and for assuring that transactions entered into the University’s general ledger are recorded in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and the accounting policies of the University. This office also processes payment requests related to vendor invoices and employee travel and expense reimbursements.
• Payroll Services works directly with Human Resources and University departments to prepares and distribute all University payrolls. Kathy Jefferson, Payroll Coordinator, manages the Payroll Services department.
• The Controller’s Office is also responsible for financial reporting and compliance. This includes the management of the University’s debt portfolio, tax compliance and reporting, annual financial audits, and other financial reporting.

Who has been with the team the longest, and what is their job title and length of employment?

Kathy Jefferson, our Payroll Coordinator, is the longest standing employee. She has served the Drake Community for over 40 years! Incredible!

Who is the newest team member, and what is their job title and month/year of start?

Our newest member is Stacy Bauer. Stacy is the Senior Accountant in the Accounting Office. She started in her new role in September 2018. We are excited to have her join our Bulldog family!

What campus buildings do your team members “live” in? Old Main

Anything else noteworthy/interesting/special about your department that bears mentioning?

The Accounting Office adopted a 50-pound fiberglass Bulldog in January 2016, which they have named Templeton. Templeton was one of seven bulldogs unveiled during a 2007 Bulldog Parade. The Bulldog was created by Maddy Maxwell, former President Maxwell’s wife. This article gives further information about the unveiling of the seven bulldogs entered into the parade.

For every season or major holiday, including Drake Relays, Templeton is dressed in appropriate attire. As you can see from a few of our photos, Templeton proudly shows off his spirit for the Relays, enjoys connecting with the Irish for St. Patrick’s Day, loves to go for Easter egg hunts on Easter, and is ready to strut his stuff for summer.

Templeton is definitely a conversation piece as we have visitors in the office. Everyone enjoys seeing his new looks and students/children who visit our office like to stop in and pet him. Stop by Old Main to meet Templeton – we love to share him with our Drake community.

Cathy Williams, University Advancement