In a time of national economic turmoil, the Syracuse University Office of Academic Affairs is confident that Mary Ann Fraser will manage academic funds responsibly as the recently appointed assistant provost for budgetary affairs.

The position is responsible for the entire budget of academic affairs, which includes all of the schools and colleges and administrative offices such as the University Library, University Continuing Education, the Center for Public and Community Service and the University Art Collection, said Suzanne Barch, senior administrator of the Office of Academic Affairs.

Fraser will also be working closely with the deans of the colleges to ensure that each college is funded appropriately, Fraser said.

‘I’m keeping us fiscally responsible,’ she said.

Renee Roth, budget analyst in the Office of Academic Affairs, said that Fraser’s work within the office has made her a greatly respected member of the office. Fraser is well-deserved of the appointment, she said.

‘We were all very proud and excited that she got this position,’ Roth said. ‘Any questions at all that you have about the budget you can go to Mary Ann — ask anyone.’

Roth explained that ever since Fraser began working in the office she has served on several committees and has fulfilled many office duties.

‘She’s been assuming more responsibilities, and we felt that it warranted a new title to reflect what she’s doing,’ Roth said.

After she began working for SU in 1980, Fraser was hired into the Office of the Vice Chancellor in 1985 and has worked closely with Vice Chancellor Deborah Freund since 1999, Fraser said. She was not expecting, however, to be appointed to this new position.

‘I was astounded,’ Fraser said. ‘It came as a very nice surprise.’

The Office of Academic Affairs oversees every aspect of academic life at SU, including admissions to the university, faculty appointments and undergraduate and graduate studies.

Published on March 20, 2003 at 12:00 pm