The University of South Carolina Upstate has selected Steven Hardy, Ed.D., as its next vice chancellor for finance and administration, starting June 1. Hardy currently serves as vice president for finance and administrative services at Passaic County Community College in Paterson, New Jersey.
In his new role, Hardy will be a key member of the chancellor’s leadership team, overseeing a $90 million budget and providing strategic direction for key administrative areas, including human resources, facilities, public safety, and business services.
“I am pleased to welcome Steven to our leadership team at USC Upstate,” said Chancellor Bennie Harris. “His deep experience in finance and administrative operations at public colleges and his strong record of leadership and collaboration will be a valuable asset to our university as we achieve our strategic priorities to drive regional economic growth and advance social mobility.”
Hardy’s responsibilities include financial oversight of all university funds; capital planning; management of major contracts; and ensuring compliance with system, state and federal regulations. He will also represent the university on system-wide financial committees and advise on legal and contractual issues.
“I am excited to join the leadership team at USC Upstate,” Hardy said. “I am inspired by all the success that the institution is achieving. I look forward to working with everyone to contribute to its success and help optimize its performance and resources to achieve its mission and reach its goals. “
Hardy joined Passaic County Community College in 2014 as vice president for finance and administration. Since 2016 he has been vice president for finance and administrative services, with responsibility for budgeting, procurement, regulatory compliance, and institutional planning. He also advises senior leadership on strategic initiatives and capital funding, while managing audits, financial reporting, and investment performance.
Prior to his positions at Passaic, Hardy served as assistant vice president for financial affairs and university controller at the University of Texas at San Antonio, where he was responsible for financial reporting of approximately $1.2 billion in assets. He oversaw accounting, payroll, grants, and disbursements. He also was vice president of administration and finance at Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In that role, he directed financial operations, campus safety, strategic planning, and capital project financing, and successfully led the college through multiple clean audits and major compliance initiatives.
Hardy holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Rowan University, a Master’s in Business Administration from Eastern Michigan University and a Bachelor of Administration from Eastern Michigan University. He is a certified treasury professional (CTP) and a graduate of the AGB Institute for Leadership & Governance in Higher Education.