Records of the Office of Vice President for Administrative Services

Established in 1990, the Office of the Vice President for Administrative Services (VPAS) oversaw university budgets, infrastructure construction and maintenance, human resources, and strategic partnerships beyond Colorado State University. The office evolved from several previous administrative units, but most duties of the VPAS have been carried out since the inception of the university.

Beginning in 1870, the State Board of Agriculture (SBA) managed all financial, personnel, and building-related duties for Colorado Agricultural College for several decades. During that time, the SBA's secretary and treasurer also oversaw the daily expenses of the college. Beginning in 1944, SBA Treasurer Joseph M. Whalley also became Colorado State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts' Business Manager, a position he held until 1966.

With Whalley's departure, Colorado State University's administrative leadership underwent several transitions. The State Board of Agriculture took a less active role in the day-to-day operations of the university. Dr. Adrian R. Chamberlain served as the university's first Vice President for Administration from 1965 to 1967, and then as Executive Vice President from 1967 to 1969. George G. Olson was appointed Acting Vice President of Finance for the 1967-1968 school year, and Max A. Binkley succeeded him, filling the Vice President for Finance position from 1968 to 1985. In 1971, J. R. Hehn joined the President's cabinet as Director (1971-1972) and then Vice President for Planning and Budgets, serving until 1982.

In 1985, further reorganization led to the recreation of the Office of the Vice President for Administration, with Thomas M. Grip serving as Vice President. The office was renamed the Office for the Vice President for Administrative Services (VPAS) in 1990. In 1992, Art Darbie stepped into the Interim VPAS role. In 1993, Gerard J. "Gerry" Bomotti became CSU's Vice President for Administrative Services, serving as VPAS until 2004. He was succeeded by Keith Ickes (2004-2007), Bob Rizzuto (Interim, then VP for Finance and Administration, 2007), and Thomas A. Gorell (Interim, then Senior VP for Administrative Services, 2007-2010).

The Office of the Vice President for Administrative Services was renamed the Office of the Vice President for University Operations (VPUO) in 2010. Amy L. Parsons served as the office's first Vice President. The VPUO currently serves as CSU's Chief Financial Officer and oversees university finance and budgets, facilities, procurement human resources, talent development, parking, mail, risk management, the Office of Equal Opportunity, and the Office of the Ombuds.