This month, the newsletter is spotlighting Greg Deppong, MSU’s Associate Vice President and University Controller, who brings 30 years of dedication and leadership to campus. As the first leader featured in our newsletter, Greg shares insights from his remarkable journey.

As a native of Corunna, Michigan, Greg grew up steeped in Spartan pride, with both parents as MSU graduates. “It wasn’t even a question; of course, I was going to MSU,” he recalls, smiling about childhood tailgates and campus visits. After majoring in accounting at MSU’s now named Broad College of Business, Greg spent four years at Coopers & Lybrand in Detroit. A financial analysis job posting at MSU, spotted during a Mackinac Island vacation, brought him home to East Lansing, launching a dynamic career.

Greg’s path at MSU has spanned financial reporting, international programs, chief accountant, assistant controller, and for the past 13 years, controller. He fondly remembers working with MSU’s Japan center, which took him abroad multiple times. “I loved collaborating with academic folks and diving into different operations,” he says. What keeps him here? The people. “The teamwork, respect, and camaraderie in the controller’s office and across finance—it’s the best on campus,” he beams.

As controller, Greg oversees vital functions like payroll, student accounts, accounting, financial reporting, cashier, receivables, taxes, and travel, tackling the challenge of communicating complex requirements across MSU’s decentralized campus. “We aim to respect people’s time, making processes efficient while managing compliance and risk,” he explains. It’s a constant balance—one he navigates with skill and care.

Greg’s proudest achievement is his consensus leadership. Guiding a large team, he embraces service-based leadership and empathy, fostering work-life balance. “You have to communicate, coordinate, and build consensus, especially in academia,” he says. “Change is constant and understanding that drives success.”

Beyond MSU, Greg’s commitment shines through his volunteerism with NACUBO (National Association of College and University Business Officers) and CACUBO (Central Association of College and University Business Officers). Recently named CACUBO’s Volunteer of the Month for April, Greg was nominated for his strategic thinking and innovative process improvements on the Host Committee for CACUBO’s Indianapolis Annual Conference. With over 11 years as an active volunteer and a current role on the CACUBO Board of Directors, Greg credits these experiences with sharpening his organizational and communication skills. “Planning major events teaches you to take responsibility seriously—people rely on you,” he shares. He finds it deeply rewarding, noting, “Volunteering doesn’t feel like work.”

Outside the office, Greg unwinds at his northern Michigan cottage, where his three adult children gather for pontoon boat rides. A passionate golfer, he also loves traveling with his wife, with Europe—especially a recent trip to Munich—topping the list. “It’s about community and connection,” he says.

Greg’s advice to colleagues is timeless: treat every interaction like a “mini job interview.” “Build connections across MSU,” he urges. “You never know when a relationship might open a door.” He recalls how a colleague’s recommendation led to his international programs role, underscoring the power of networking.

Reflecting on three decades at MSU, Greg emphasizes our shared mission: “Every job supports student success and world-changing research. That’s what makes working at MSU so exciting.” Thank you, Greg, for your leadership, volunteerism, and unwavering commitment to the Spartan community.