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Jan. 31, 2011

COLUMBIA, Mo. — The University of ����ֱ�� Board of Curators today appointed Thomas “Tom” F. Richards as treasurer of the University of ����ֱ�� System, effective Jan. 31.

Richards has more than 20 years of experience in the financial sector, including work at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, and as chief financial officer and senior vice president for Landmark Bank N.A. in Columbia.

Richards replaces John Miller, who this month accepted the position of treasurer and chief investment officer for the Moses Cone Health System in Greensboro, N.C. During Miller’s tenure, the university successfully issued $250 million in debt financing at historically low interest rates, improved the university’s credit ratings to Aa1 and AA+, implemented new asset allocation policies for the endowment and retirement trust funds, outsourced several treasury functions and improved financial reporting. 

Richards will provide operating leadership and strategic direction for the university's cash management, debt, banking relationships across all four campuses and the health system, investment portfolios including management of the university’s retirement and endowment funds and operating capital.

Most recently, Richards served as assistant controller for the University of ����ֱ�� System.

“Tom brings a wealth of experience in the financial industry and first-hand knowledge of the university and its financial needs, priorities and challenges,” said Steve Owens, interim president of the University of ����ֱ�� System.

Richards earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and is a certified public accountant. As an active member of the Columbia community, Richards serves on the board of trustees for the Columbia Public Library and the Daniel Boone Regional Library. He also is the treasurer of the Columbia Northwest Rotary Foundation.

A high resolution photo of Richards is available at   

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