Jul 1, 2008 -- Yeshiva University has appointed J. Michael Gower as vice president for business affairs and chief financial officer. Gower resumed his new post July 1. Gower, who most recently served as vice president for finance and administration at the University of Vermont, has extensive experience in university and medical school financial and business leadership, financing, and systems development. "Michael is an experienced university professional who will guide our financial progress for the future," said President Richard M. Joel. "He comes to us with a distinguished track record, having served with integrity in financial management positions in university settings for a quarter of a century." The greater part of his career was spent at Duke University, where he received his bachelor’s degree as well as a master’s in business administration from Duke's Fuqua School of Business. Gower will lead the way in strengthening YU's sound financial foundation – "the foundation on which we are carrying out our mission to ennoble and enable our students to use our sacred values, our knowledge and our skills to make a positive difference in the world around us," added President Joel. "I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Karl Kunz for all of his efforts in his capacity as acting vice president for finance and chief financial officer. We are grateful that Karl will remain with the finance office working closely with Michael," said President Joel. Gower recently received the 2008 Professional Development Award from the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO), which recognizes individuals who have made notable contributions to NACUBO's professional development activities and to the association's publications program.