Kansas University has hired a new vice chancellor and chief financial officer to replace Theresa Gordzica, who is retiring after 34 years with KU.

KU’s new vice chancellor and chief financial officer, beginning Feb. 15, will be Leisa Julian, the university announced Tuesday. Julian is associate vice president for business and auxiliary services for Ball State University.

She previously worked as chief financial officer and general counsel at the Public Employees’ Retirement Fund of Indiana, and also as the city controller of Anderson, Ind., according to KU. Julian has a bachelor’s degree and an MBA from Ball State University and a law degree from Indiana University.

KU’s chief financial officer reports to the chancellor and leads finance and business operations on the Lawrence and Medical Center campuses, according to KU. The chief financial officer develops financial policy and oversees KU’s fiscal planning.

Leisa Julian

Julian’s experience impressed the search committee.

“Not only does she bring important campus-based experience, but a wide array of relevant experience from state and local government as well,” Reggie Robinson, director of KU’s School of Public Affairs and Administration and search committee chairman, said in a KU news release. “Because she possesses the comprehensive set of attributes this position requires, Leisa stood out in a field of very strong candidates in what was truly a national search.”

Gordzica has been chief financial officer since 1997. According to KU, she began her career with the university as a student assistant working for Keith Nitcher, KU’s longtime director of business affairs, and worked her way up to chief financial officer.