Due to Wright State’s financial position, the university “did not have the luxury of conducting an extended search,” according to a press release from the university.

Branson was hired through the university’s formal search waiver process. The emergency hiring committee also considered this appointment and deemed it a necessary and strategic investment, according to the university.

EXCLUSIVE: WSU president talks plans for first school year on campus

Jeff Ulliman, Wright State vice president for business and finance will now report to Branson, spokesman Seth Bauguess said via email.

Branson has worked at Missouri S&T since 2013. Before that he worked for 20 years at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne as vice chancellor for financial affairs, according to WSU.