Pruitt will begin his new role January 29. In his announcement, Blouin said that Pruitt will serve as a valued partner to him and the rest of campus senior leadership, helping to implement the Blueprint for Next, the University’s first overarching strategic framework, and new budget and business strategies that will guide and support our growth and future direction.
As Vice Chancellor of Finance and Operations, Pruitt will be responsible for oversight of campus-wide financial planning and budgeting; treasury and risk management; facilities planning, construction and operations; real estate development; purchasing; public safety; campus enterprises; environment health and safety; and energy services.
“We are extremely fortunate to be able to fill this critical position quickly and with someone who is already intimately familiar with the University and its operations, as well as the state budget process,” Blouin said. “Jonathan’s existing relationships with members of the UNC System and the state legislature will ensure a smooth transition into his new role. At this critical time on our campus, as universities face new challenges in growth and budgeting, Jonathan’s stellar credentials and expertise will help shepherd us through our next chapter and ensure we remain the leading 21st-century public research institution.”
Pruitt joined the UNC System in 2006. In his role, he was responsible for the finance and business affairs of UNC General Administration, managing an operating budget of $10 billion. His role required him to work collaboratively with the UNC Board of Governors, state government, UNC General Administration staff and chief financial officers from the 17 campuses of the UNC System to accomplish strategic financial and operational priorities.
Pruitt is from Pikeville, Kentucky, and received his bachelor of arts degree from Centre College and his master of public administration degree from the University of Kentucky. He began his career as a senior associate of finance for the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education and as a policy and budget analyst for the Office for Policy and Management.