Beth McGrath Named VP for Business & Finance

Beth McGrath has been named Vice President for Business and Finance at Clarke University. McGrath assumed the position on November 26. She succeeds Dr. Daisy Halvorson, who accepted the position of Vice President of Business and Finance at Briar Cliff University.

McGrath has served as the Controller of Clarke University for the past six years. Her duties in this position include supervising staff, performing monthly and year-end closing processes, preparing monthly reports, monitoring restricted funds, and preparing for all institutional audits, among many responsibilities.

McGrath brings 16 years of experience in accounting and financial management to the vice president position. She is an active certified public accountant licensed in the state of Iowa, and has six years of experience in public accounting for both non-profit and governmental entities.

“I am honored and humbled to have been selected to serve in the Vice President for Business and Finance role at Clarke University. As an alumna and as a current staff member, Clarke has provided me with many opportunities throughout my life. I am eager to continue working with the rest of the Clarke community to provide a meaningful and enriching college experience for our students,” said McGrath.

She has a master’s of business administration from St. Ambrose University and a bachelor’s of arts in accounting/business administration from Clarke College.

“Beth has been an excellent controller and will be an asset to Clarke University in her new role as Vice President of Business and Finance. Beth’s background in accounting and financial management is impressive and will be essential as we continue Clarke’s long tradition of fiscal responsibility. She is a proud alumna of Clarke and we are thrilled to welcome her to the leadership team,” said Clarke President Sister Joanne Burrows.