President's Message

A New Chapter: Turning Challenges into Momentum

Welcome to January 2026. As we stand at the threshold of a new fiscal cycle, I am struck by the incredible resilience our membership has shown over the past year. In 2025, we navigated a landscape of shifting economic pressures, evolving regulatory requirements, and the continued necessity of doing more with less. Yet, looking ahead, I see a horizon filled with opportunity.

The start of this year marks more than just a calendar change; it is a call to action. As we refine our budget strategies and prepare to present our visions to our respective boards and cabinets, we are moving beyond simple stewardship. We are becoming the strategic architects of our institutions’ futures. This year, we will focus on proactive financial modeling and transformative leadership that ensures our campuses do not just survive the current climate but thrive in it.

The Power of Proximity: Our Greatest Collective Asset

In an era defined by rapid change, no business officer should have to innovate in a vacuum. We are managing everything from the integration of generative AI into our business processes to the looming reality of the enrollment cliff. The complexities of modern higher education demand a level of collaboration that transcends our individual campuses.

This is the "Power of Proximity." It is the unique advantage of the SACUBO network. When you are faced with a complex RFP, a challenging audit, or the need to implement new enterprise technology, your peers in this association are your most reliable resources.   We are a community of practitioners who speak the same language and share the same mission.

Our collective intelligence is our greatest asset. As we face a year that will demand even greater agility, I encourage you to lean into this network. Attend our upcoming professional development events, contribute to our committees, and engage in the candid conversations that only happen here. In 2026, we will not just keep pace with the changing landscape of higher education; we will be the ones defining its future.

Sincerely,

Debbie M. Walker, MBA, CGFO
SACUBO President