Park University has a new face on campus this semester. Matthew Van Hoesen began his position as interim chief financial officer on Jan. 2.

Van Hoesen comes from a well-rounded background for the position graduating from the University of Kansas where he received a dual Bachelor of Arts in political science and history.

“If you grow up in Lawrence, Kan., you are pre-ordained to go to KU,” Van Hoesen said.

The day after his graduation, Van Hoesen began a summer graduate school program where he completed his juris doctor and master of business administration degrees in business and law.

After graduate school, Van Hoesen went into public accounting where he rose in the ranks and became the audit manager for a firm on the Country Club Plaza along with obtaining his certified public accounting degree.

After seven years at this position, Van Hoesen started a path in the private sector at a fiber optics company where he served the positions of Chief Financial Officer and General Council for four years.

Six months ago, Van Hoesen decided to take some time off to spend with his family, during which he came across the opportunity for a chief financial officer at Park University.

“Matthew’s professional background has well equipped him to take on this new role at Park University,” said Park University President David Fowler. “He has been able to quickly evaluate the needs and the opportunities at the University. His proven financial and leadership skills are valuable attributes he uses to successfully guide and initiate best business practices.”

Although Van Hoesen is currently the interim chief financial officer, he said he has no plans on going anywhere now or in the future.

Van Hoesen’s short-term plan for Park University is to make daily assessments of financials while his long-term goal is to ensure Park is on a solid financial path for the students in the years to come.

“You just can’t walk in on day one and say ‘here’s what we’re going to change,’” said Van Hoesen.
Being new to Park University, Van Hoesen has already seen many new things he admires.

“The employees really are a unified group,” he said. “They care that Park is stable, it’s the strongest unification that I’ve seen. Everyone is striving to follow Park’s promise.”

Fowler said he sees Van Hoesen fitting in well with Park University.

“Matthew has an exceptional talent to connect with and engage others in shared problem solving conversations,” Fowler said.

“His commitment to open and direct communications is a vital ingredient to his current and future success at Park. He is also astute at grasping the financial situation and gathering the appropriate facts to enable leadership to make timely decisions.”

When Van Hoesen is not in his office, you can find him spending much of his time with his two daughters who keep him on his toes. He also admits to being an avid home remodeler.

Although he lives south of the Country Club Plaza, Van Hoesen finds Parkville to be a wonderful place.

“Parkville is a jewel box set off by the river,” he said. “If people would visit campus they would be hooked.”