Breaking: Mike Hindery to Leave Santa Clara

Vice President for Finance and Administration Resigns Sophie MattsonTHE SANTA CLARAMarch 18, 2016In a March 17 email to faculty and staff, the university president announced that Mike Hindery is resigning from his position as Santa Clara’s Vice President for Finance and Administration.His resignation is effective June 30, but Hindery’s last day in office is Friday, March 18. He has served in his position since July 2014—a few months shy of two years. In his role, Hindery managed the university’s finances, real estate, investments, operations and auxiliary services.He was behind the decision to bring 20 university-owned off-campus houses directly under the management of the Housing Office. RealSource Property Management formerly rented out the properties, the majority of which are located on Lightside, a student-occupied neighborhood known for its wild parties and constant beer die. Hindery also served as a liaison between the university and city council. At the beginning of his tenure, he was the university spokesperson regarding the Neighborhood Protection Ordinance, a now-defunct city proposition to limit the number of occupants within single family homes in Santa Clara.Since 2014, Hindery met with campus organization Fossil Free SCU several times regarding their campaign for Santa Clara to completely divest from commingled funds in fossil fuel extraction companies. Last May, Hindery announced that while the university has no direct investments in any of the top 200 fossil fuel extraction companies, Santa Clara decided not to divest from commingled funds because it could possibly jeopardize the university’s endowment fund.In addition, Hindery was also tasked with helping the university carry out Santa Clara’s Integrated Strategic Plan, aimed at increasing the student population and expanding its facilities.“I am grateful to Mike for his service, leadership, and dedication to Santa Clara and for his tireless efforts to build productive relationships with the community, faculty and students,” Fr. Michael Engh, S.J, said in the email. Chris Shay, assistant vice president for University Operations, will serve as interim vice president for Finance and Administration until Santa Clara appoints Hindery’s replacement.“I appreciate Chris's willingness to assume this leadership role as we continue to advance the goals and strategic direction of the Finance and Administration division.” Engh said in the email. Before coming to Santa Clara, Hindery was vice dean of Administration, Finance and Clinical Programs at the University of California, San Francisco from 2008 to 2014. He also served as senior associate dean for Finance and Administration at Stanford University from 1996 to 2008.Contact Sophie Mattson at smattson@scu.edu or call (408) 554-4849.