Effective September 1, 2021, Dawn O Hawkersmith accepted the role of Director of Finance and Administration, having served CEHHS as Assistant Director for 3 years. As the college’s fiscal officer, Dawn is responsible for managing and overseeing the following areas:  financial and post-award compliance, human resources, administration of faculty appointments, data analytics, and the budget of state funds and reserves.

Before joining CEHHS, she worked for the UT Institute of Agriculture for 6 years, serving in multiple roles including Financial Specialist II for the AgResearch Office; Pre-Award Coordinator for UTIA; and Accounting Specialist III for the UT Extension Dean’s Office. Dawn earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Middle Tennessee State University and holds a Certified Public Accountant’s license in the state of Tennessee. With over 25+ combined years of financial accounting and systems expertise, Dawn combines analytical skills with a pragmatic approach that focuses on listening to all parties to educate, collaborate, and promote comprehensive fiscal management.