Over 35 years in Chico State’s business office, George Wellman transformed how the University manages its finances through a steadfast commitment to accuracy and efficiency.

After earning undergraduate and graduate degrees in business from Chico State in 1971 and 1973, respectively, Wellman was hired in 1973 as a budget officer in the campus’s business office. There, he worked across many aspects of the University’s finances, including modeling student fee revenue, utility expenditures, and employee benefits.

He expanded his role by cross-training in accounting for several years and served as both secretary and chair of the Fiscal Administration Committee. Other contributions included serving as the campus representative to the California State University Budget Task Force Group and leading the financial components of the University’s accreditation through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

In 1997, Wellman was promoted to associate vice president for Business and Finance, a role he held until his retirement in 2005.

As AVP, Wellman focused on improving efficiency and effectiveness within his division. He implemented a new financial system, led the CSU in the accuracy and timeliness of financial and management audits, and developed a staff training program to enhance employee productivity. He was passionate about empowering employees and prioritized creating an environment in which they could succeed.

Emeritus professor and 2012 ERFSA Hall of Honor inductee Ralph Meuter, then dean of Continuing Education, relied on Wellman for guidance on maximizing the complex Continuing Education Revenue Fund (CERF).

“George was the only officer who understood how to use it and get the most out of it,”Meuter said, noting that Wellman was invited to several CSU campuses to share hisi nsights on CERF.

Wellman’s expertise led to his becoming the “G” in the informal “J.A.G.” budget group,which included Jim Moon from Student Affairs and Arno Rethans from Academic Affairs—three dedicated staff members who met frequently to reconcile the competing demands of a $240 million University budget.

“They solved enormous financial problems for the University because they trusted each other and worked collaboratively rather than competitively,” Meuter said. “When University leaders needed a straight answer about finances, they could trust the J.A.G.”

Wellman has always been deeply committed to his community, volunteering his time coaching Little League and serving with the Red Cross. He is an avid sports fan, attending Chico State athletic events and playing basketball with staff and faculty in Acker Gymduring lunch hours.

He received the CSU Financial Officers Association Recognition for Excellence in Financial Planning in 2003 and the CSU Recognition for Quality Improvement Task Force Leadership in 1999.