Bert graduated from EMU in 1997 with a degree in accounting, after moving to the area from his hometown of Lancaster, Pa. He worked at a local public accounting firm before relocating to Austin, Texas, in 2000 to complete an MBA at the University of Texas.

He remained in the south, working for in a variety of financial capacities during his eight years with the Texas-based company.

鈥淎 lot of my time there was providing financial support one way, shape or form in the product development area,鈥� Bert explained.

He added that he helped oversee products from 鈥渃oncept to delivery in the marketplace,鈥� as well as providing financial support for companies seeking to invest and grow 鈥� among other duties.

Bert said this time working for a large company was rewarding.

鈥淚 am somebody who really has an appreciation for technology,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 always been an interest of mine, so I found that really rewarding, to be close to technology and … the next thing that鈥檚 going to be released.鈥�

But wanting to be closer to family and a sense of pride in his alma mater brought him back to Harrisonburg in 2010. The former vice president of finance was retiring, and the university was seeking a replacement.

contacted Bert, asking if he would be interested in the position. He applied and went through the interview process, and, as Bert says, 鈥渢he rest is history.鈥�

Now in his fourth year, he said he鈥檚 enjoying his job, adding that he鈥檚 鈥渆ncouraged鈥� by EMU鈥檚 direction and being a part of the growth of such a valued institution.

鈥淚 get a lot of energy out of thinking … about our strategic plan, how we implement [it], how we prioritize the investments we need to make to help grow some of our programs or launch new programs.鈥�

Bert said he enjoys being back on his old stomping grounds and living in the Harrisonburg area with his wife, Carrie, and their children, Evan, 9, Davis, 7, and Maren, 4.

He recently joined the board of , seeking additional community involvement in an area he鈥檚 found so rewarding.

An EMU alumnus will become the new vice president for finance at his alma mater, beginning Apr. 15, 2010.

Daryl W. Bert, currently of Pflugerville, Tex., will succeed Ronald E. Piper, who is retiring after serving 24 years in the role at EMU. Bert is a 1997 EMU graduate with a BS degree in accounting.

The appointment, a president’s cabinet-level position, was announced by Dr. Fred Kniss, EMU provost.

“Daryl brings strong management, finance and accounting experience to this position,” Dr. Kniss said. “He is deeply committed to the mission and vision of EMU and has demonstrated those values in church and community service in Austin. We believe he will be a strong member of EMU’s leadership team,” he added.

The vice president for finance is the chief financial officer responsible for the development and final preparation of the annual operating and capital budgets, assures financial compliance, establishes internal control policies and procedures, provides strategic information concerning finances and represents the institution in external business transactions.

He oversees and is responsible for the business, human resources, physical plant, financial assistance and auxiliary services departments.

Bert brings more than 10 years of accounting and finance experience to his new position at EMU. He has more than seven years tenure in roles of growing responsibility with Dell Computer Corporation, most recently as finance senior consultant, where he provided pricing consultation and approvals for large corporate accounts in the Central Region, representing some $500 million in annual revenue.

While at EMU he was a standout on the EMU men’s volleyball team, 1994-97, setting several school records in the sport, and was inducted into the Hall of Honor in 1998.

After graduating from EMU, Bert earned a certified public accountant (CPA) license and completed a master of business administration degree with a concentration in finance from McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin.

He served as treasurer and board member of the Ten Thousand Villages’ Austin location from its inception until 2008. He is treasurer of Austin Mennonite Church, where he is a member.

Bert is married to Carrie Stambaugh Bert, a 1997 EMU alumna. She does after-school tutoring and supervises student teachers at the University of Texas. The couple has three children – Evan, 6; Davis, 3; and Maren, 6 months.