January 18, 2024

SVSU hires Noel Hornbacher to serve as VP for Administration and Business Affairs

Saginaw Valley State University has hired Noel Hornbacher to lead the university’s financial operations as vice president for Administration and Business Affairs. He joins SVSU following a national search and will begin his duties on January 30.

Most recently, Hornbacher has served since 2012 as the senior director of financial services at the University of Michigan-Dearborn; in that role, he implemented a responsibility center management budgeting model for the university’s four academic colleges. He also had the principal role in managing nearly $25 million in federal HEERF funding for pandemic relief.

Hornbacher has worked at UM-Dearborn since 2004. Prior to that, he served in various accounting roles during six years at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. Over the course of his career, Hornbacher has supported and led research administration, student financial services, controller functions, budgeting, accounting, auxiliaries, and financial aid.

“Noel understands the complexities of regional public universities and the associated financial implications,” said George Grant Jr, SVSU president. “He brings a strong financial acumen and a diverse set of experiences with him to provide strategic leadership as we seek to maximize the financial resources available to support our students, faculty and staff.”

SVSU has a solid financial position with an A1 rating and stable outlook that were affirmed by Moody’s Investor Service last February.

"I am tremendously excited to serve SVSU and advance it both strategically and financially for our current students and everyone who is positively impacted by the university,” Hornbacher said. “Continuing the strong position SVSU has in the area and making it known far and wide as a great higher education institution is a high priority for me."  

Born in Saginaw and raised in Cass City, Hornbacher spent significant time on SVSU’s campus during his formative years, accompanying his father who was completing a bachelor’s degree, and attending academic and athletic contests featuring regional high schools.

Hornbacher earned a bachelor’s degree at Eastern Michigan University and an M.B.A. at UM-Dearborn. He also completed a yearlong leadership development program in business and finance leadership through the University of Michigan.

In addition to his employment responsibilities, Hornbacher is a peer reviewer for the Higher Learning Commission. He also has served as a volunteer treasurer for youth football and cheerleading programs in Canton, Michigan.