Richard P. "Dick" Siemer, vice president for finance and treasurer at Ohio University since 1997, has been chosen as executive vice president for finance and administration at the University of Kentucky, subject to approval by the Board of Trustees. He will begin his new position no later than Aug. 1.

Siemer's office is responsible for the financial and management infrastructure at Ohio University and also taught classes in political science, public sector finance and budgeting, computer science, accounting and leadership seminars.

During his tenure at Ohio University, Siemer has implemented several successful initiatives, including the Purchasing Card program, Web-based Bursar's Office operations and downloadable finance forms. He also was instrumental in the creation of the Enterprise Project, which involved the university switching to Oracle administrative applications and a campus-wide document management and imaging system.

"I'm sorry to lose Dick Siemer for Ohio University, but the position at UK is a great opportunity for him," said Ohio University President Robert Glidden. "I wish him well and thank him for great contributions to Ohio University during his six years here."

Siemer's wife, Pam, the assistant vice president for government relations at Ohio University, will accompany him to Lexington.