This month, we are excited to feature an extraordinary individual in our HEUG Famous Blog series: Debbie Mero. Debbie has dedicated an impressive 44 years to the University of Michigan. She has been at the College of Engineering for 12 years, where she serves as CFO. Her vast experience in higher education, coupled with her unwavering commitment to the HEUG community, makes her an inspiration to us all. From her early days as part of the PeopleSoft implementation team to her influential roles on HEUG’s Board and advisory groups, Debbie’s contributions span decades and continue to shape the higher education landscape.
Join us as we dive into Debbie’s incredible journey—her leadership philosophy, her most memorable conference moments, and her thoughts on the future of higher ed technology.
Where do you work? How long have you been there?
University of Michigan (44 years), College of Engineering, CFO (12 years).
Are you working on-site, remotely, or hybrid? What has that experience been like for you?
On-site. I lead a large team that works hybrid. Being in the office full-time allows me to connect with them when they come in.
What Student or ERP system do you work in, and what modules do you primarily work with?
While at the Medical School, I was part of the implementation team for Financials. I was later recruited in 1998 to lead the newly formed IT part of the organization that supported Financials. By the time I left that position I was overseeing the Financial, Fundraising, and Research applications.
When did you get involved with HEUG? How did that happen?
Circa 1998. As part of the University of Michigan PeopleSoft implementation, we relied heavily on the community. I started attending conferences. During that time, I was introduced to the concept of PAGs (Product Advisory Groups).
In what capacities have you been involved with HEUG?
I started as a conference attendee, became a GL PAG member, and, in 2008, was elected to the HEUG Board. In 2009, I became the Assistant Treasurer (1 year), then the Treasurer and VP of Finance (6 years), and then back to the Assistant Treasurer (3 years) to support the new VP of Finance. I have also served on the HEUG Audit Committee and am now the HEUG Audit Chair. Additionally, I was on the PeopleSoft Advisory Council, the Oracle Fusion Advisory Board, and the PeopleSoft Unlimited Advisory Board. I have provided continuous service to the HEUG for 26 years.
Do you have a favorite or meaningful story regarding your time in HEUG?
There is not one story, but it is the Higher Ed Community’s willingness to help that I find so meaningful. Any questions we put out on the listserv received several responses almost immediately.
What has been your favorite conference location? Why?
Las Vegas. There are many fun things to do when you’re not at the conference.
What is your first HEUG related memory?
Being stalked by someone at the conference. I didn’t know it at the time, but he was looking for a chance to introduce himself to entice me to get involved in one of the many opportunities of the HEUG.
What is YOUR value proposition for HEUG?
The ability to network is incredible. The connections I made during my time with the HEUG are still strong. As a mentor, I encourage my team to volunteer for something outside their work unit to make those connections. Being a contributor to the community and supporting higher ed, the interactions I had with my fellow board members from around the world helped me in my personal growth and career.
Do you have a work-related philosophy you would like to share?
Being directionally correct. There are many ways to get to a solution. Sometimes, you don’t need to be precisely correct; most of the time, you just need to be heading in the right direction. There are many ways to reach your destination. I like to point the team to where I think we need to end up and let them figure out the best path. If you focus on perfection, often, by the time you collect all the information, the decision or opportunity has passed. I am also big on risk management, not risk avoidance. Once you consider potential risks and how to mitigate them, you can be better informed about what risks to take.
What new app/technology/platform is intriguing to you right now?
I would like to understand how the higher ed industry is going to leverage AI. I see this as a big game-changer to reduce the cost of education without diminishing its quality.
Debbie Mero’s story is a testament to the power of community, mentorship, and lifelong learning. Through her 26 years of involvement with HEUG, she has not only made a significant impact but also forged connections that have enriched her professional and personal growth. Her insights into leadership and innovation remind us of the transformative potential of collaboration and vision in higher education.
We hope Debbie’s story inspires you to engage with the HEUG community, take risks, and embrace opportunities to grow. Stay tuned for more HEUG Famous spotlights as we continue to celebrate the individuals who make this community truly remarkable!