EIU Media Relations

EIU Names Director of Planning, Budget and Institutional Research

Michael S. Maurer, who begins his new role as Eastern Illinois University's director of planning, budget and institutional research this week, is happy to be returning to the Midwest where he was "born and bred."

After years of working in California, Nevada and abroad, he welcomes the opportunity to once again live near his parents and other family members, two of whom - a sister and brother-in-law - are also employed at EIU.

He even looks forward to the "really great opportunity" of helping to guide Eastern through its state-related financial struggles.

"I like the idea of immersing myself into a significant challenge," he said.

Maurer's hiring completes the merger of two EIU offices - the Budget Office and the Office of Planning and Institutional Studies, each of which previously had its own director, said William Weber, vice president for business affairs.

As PBIR director, Maurer will, in part, coordinate Eastern's planning, budgeting and institutional reporting processes, including the preparation and review of operating and capital budget requests and institutional reporting requirements for the Board of Trustees, the Illinois Board of Higher Education and the General Assembly.

Most recently, Maurer served as director of internal controls and accountability at the University of California, San Francisco, and was responsible for risk assessment and the monitoring/development of internal controls for the $3 billion educational and research institution with more than 22,000 employees.

Previously, he served as associate vice president and controller for Alliant International University in San Francisco (2006-2009); director of finance/controller for the University of Maryland University College-Europe in Heidelberg, Germany (1990-2005); and State of Nevada Director, Nevada Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education in Reno (1987-1990).

Maurer said he enjoys working in a university setting, and enjoys being in the classroom, too - as a student.  In addition to his bachelor's degree in accounting from Sangamon State University, he has received master's degrees from the University of Illinois (business administration), Bowie State University (information system), and the University of Maryland University College (finance and accounting).