Debits, Credits, and Disney
Don Hunkins, retiring CFO, has overseen the fiscal affairs of our University since 1982.
"Hello, this is Maria Silva calling, Don Hunkins is on the line for you." If there was one call everyone at Northwood stood up and took notice of, this one was it! Don Hunkins, retiring CFO, has overseen the fiscal affairs of our University since 1982. It was a job he took seriously and a job he did well. But despite his fierce reputation, he is a man of good humor and impeccable ethics. Hunkins' astute accounting acumen has kept Northwood financially secure and sound for over 27 years and we have much for which to thank him.
"First and foremost, it was my job to keep Northwood on the straight and narrow," says Hunkins. "I was charged with maintaining the legal and fiscal integrity of Northwood and it was my responsibility to ensure every department and every person at Northwood followed the rules and regulations."
Hunkins' personal communication style was one of his trademarks. People who know him well, know he is a soft touch, however, if you found yourself on the wrong end of a compliance issue, you would have a hard time believing it. "I was perceived to be unbending," he says, "but the Board of Trustees charged me to be a firm steward of the University." One of Hunkins' famous lines was, "I'm not going to the Big House for you!"
All the while Hunkins was making sure everyone stayed out of trouble, he also initiated many innovative programs including a ground breaking self-insured employee health care plan. Northwood University is considered by many to be an employer of choice, thanks in part to the benefit package put in place by Hunkins.
Staff who worked directly for Hunkins only had one performance standard to meet -- perfection. But he also was a champion of his staff and a mentor extraordinaire. Cheryl Warner, Assistant Controller, started as an accounts receivable clerk with Northwood. "One of the great benefits Don brought to us was employee tuition assistance. Because of it, I was able to earn my accounting degree," she said. "He always looked out for us. More than anyone, he advanced me and gave me career autonomy and respect that I knew what I was doing and the freedom to do it."
Hunkins came to Northwood academically and professionally well prepared for what lay ahead. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Accounting with Honors from Michigan State University in 1971 and in 1973 became a Certified Public Accountant. He served in the United States Air Force from 1966-1969. During his term as CFO, Northwood University tripled its enrollment as well as expanded its international programs and Adult Degree Program centers. Throughout Northwood's growth and expansion, Hunkins maintained low-risk fiscal policies which have provided the University a firm and secure financial foundation.
He has been active in many local, state, and national civic and professional organizations where he held leadership positions and received numerous awards. Hunkins served as president of the Central Association of College and University Business Officers and as a director of the National Association of College and University Business Officers. He will continue serving The Higher Learning Commission as a Consultant Evaluator.
Don's office belied his serious side. He is a big fan of Disney ® and surrounded himself with Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck memorabilia, on the desk, on the shelves, and on the wall. For several years, in the corner, he also had a life-size copper sculpture of a gun-toting cowboy. People often wondered if he might be sending a message to those who would try to bend the rules!
Don will be retiring to his home on the shore of East Twin Lake in Lewiston, Mich., where he is looking forward to good fishing and enjoying, along with his lovely wife, Deborah, the frequent visits of children and grandchildren.
Thanks for everything, Don, we wish you well.
Linda Mathieu
