Oral history interview with Robert Wetnight, February 6, 1997
Oral history interview with Robert Wetnight conducted by Thomas Carr on February 6, 1997. Robert B. Wetnight was the WMU’s first vice president for finance. He recalls his early education, coming to Western Michigan College of Education in 1951, teaching accounting courses, students in the early 50s, and how he was promoted to vice presidence of financing. He reflects on the growth of the campus in the 50s, how the buildings were financed, the financing process, and how the students changed over the years. He was first appointed as comptroller in 1962 by former WMU President James Miller and named vice president of finance in 1965. He recalls working as finance chief for two WMU presidents, the budgeting process for maintaining campus buildings, and the union’s impact on the university. He retired in 1985 and passed away in 2004.