College of Arts and Sciences appoints new director of fiscal operations

Friday, January 19, 2024

Media Contact: Elizabeth Gosney | CAS Marketing and Communications Manager | 405-744-7497 | egosney@okstate.edu

The beginning of 2024 brought a shift to Oklahoma State University’s College of Arts and Sciences leadership team: Reneé Tefertiller retired as CAS director of fiscal operations, and new-to-OSU Ann Nelson was hired in her stead.  

“As a lifelong learner, I feel at home in an academic environment, and the duties and responsibilities of this role resonated with me,” Nelson said. “It’s the best of all things I enjoy doing.”

A native of Tulsa, Nelson earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and an MBA from Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, Oklahoma. She boasts more than 25 years of experience in finance and accounting, including positions at IBM, the University of Oklahoma, and Tulsa’s Family and Children’s Services.

“I have made the intentional decision to use my skills in service in the nonprofit sector,” said Nelson, who most recently held the position of CFO at Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma.  

Nelson has a few weeks of overlap with Tefertiller, who is leaving OSU with more than 39 years of service under her belt. After earning her business administration degree from Central State University (now the University of Central Oklahoma), Tefertiller began working in the CAS Dean’s Office as a financial coordinator in November 1984. During her tenure — rising through the ranks until becoming director of fiscal operations — she worked with five CAS deans and four interim deans.  

“We will truly miss Reneé, as she has been an incredible member of the CAS leadership team. I appreciate all of her time and dedication she has given to this role,” CAS Interim Dean Keith Garbutt said. “At the same time, we are thrilled to welcome Ann to our college, and I know she will be a great asset. Her colleagues at other institutions are not shy with their praise of her abilities and character.”

Tefertiller will continue with CAS through the end of January before passing the reigns fully to Nelson.  

“I’m looking forward to bringing my skills to the team and helping to deliver on OSU’s vision to be the preeminent land-grant university,” Nelson said. “It is important to me to leave a legacy of service and this role allows me — through my vocation — to be a part of a something larger than myself.”