Two MSU Finance professionals selected for national program

The National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) has announced the membership for its prestigious Emerging Leaders Program. Michigan State University is proud to be represented by Kate Reasner and Kristy Smith, two of the 76 professionals selected for this year’s cohort. They represent the sixth and seventh MSU Finance team members selected to participate in the program since its inception in 2021.

“MSU is one of the few universities to have had eight or more total participants in the Emerging Leaders Program—and seven of these have been from MSU Finance,” said Lisa Frace, MSU senior vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer. “Kate and Kristy’s selection is an outstanding achievement and another example of the excellence and leadership MSU Finance demonstrates at a national level. To say that I am proud of them and our team is an understatement.”

As the receivables finance manager in the Office of the Controller, Kate Reasner leads the operations and accounting functions for central accounts receivable, bankruptcies, delinquent account collections, and beyond. Reasner drives compliance with federal and institutional regulations, manages contractual relationships with collection agencies and vendors, and leads the development and implementation of MSU’s policies and procedures related to receivables. She is a certified public accountant and also serves as the secretary for the Michigan Association of Student Financial Services Administrators.

Kristy Smith serves as assistant director of the Contract and Grant Administration (CGA), which provides post-award financial and contractual administration for MSU’s sponsored research portfolio. In support of the university’s research mission, Smith represents CGA in university, regional, and national forums on post-award administration; monitors and supports compliance with federal and state regulations, as well as university and sponsor policies; and provides operational oversight for four functional teams supporting post-award sponsored program administration.

Now in its sixth year, the Emerging Leaders Program is a key part of NACUBO’s professional development offerings available to finance and business professionals across more than 1,700 colleges and universities nationwide. The 2026-27 program cohort represents 69 colleges and universities across 32 states and Washington, D.C. Through a blend of online and in-person learning, participants will develop leadership and communication skills, expand their understanding of the higher education business landscape, and build relationships with colleagues from institutions across the country.

Media contact: MSU Finance Communications