UCCS announces leadership transition in Administration and Finance

Jeff Greene will step away from his role as Interim Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance at UCCS on Aug. 31, 2026, after navigating health challenges in recent months. Erick Scheminske will succeed Greene as Interim Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance. 

Greene joined UCCS in June 2025, bringing decades of public-sector leadership and longstanding connections to both the university and the Colorado Springs community. During a time of significant change and challenge for UCCS, he quickly became a trusted presence on campus, known for his steady leadership, candor and collaborative approach. 

“Serving UCCS has been an incredible privilege, and I wish circumstances allowed me to continue in this role,” Greene said. “This university and its community have meant a great deal to me, and I am enormously grateful for the trust, support and partnership I have experienced during my time here. I would like to thank my team, the Deans, the faculty, the staff at UCCS, and the Chancellor for the opportunity to serve the university. “ 

“While stepping away is not an easy decision, I know it is the right one for me and my family,” he continued. “I also have tremendous confidence in Erick and know he will serve UCCS well during this next chapter.” 

Prior to joining UCCS, Greene served as Chief of Staff for the City of Colorado Springs from 2015 to 2023 and as El Paso County Administrator for nearly a decade. His relationship with UCCS, however, began well before he assumed the interim vice chancellor role. He served as an advisory member of UCCS Regional Connect for University Advancement and as an advisor to university leadership through the Chancellor’s Roundtable and Ambassadors group. 

“Jeff stepped into this role at a time when UCCS greatly needed his experience, steadiness and thoughtful leadership,” Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet said. “He has served this university with tremendous care and commitment, becoming a trusted presence for our community and a true partner to colleagues across campus. I am deeply grateful for Jeff’s service and, personally, for his partnership and counsel as a member of my leadership team. His contributions to UCCS will continue to be felt long after his time in this role.” 

Erick Scheminske joined the UCCS Administration and Finance team in July 2026 to support several large projects. Over the past couple of weeks, his focus has shifted to working alongside Greene to support a smooth leadership transition. He brings more than 25 years of experience in budget, finance and executive leadership in Colorado government. 

Since 2021, Scheminske has served as Chief Operating Officer for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, where he helped guide the department through the financial and operational challenges associated with its response to and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Erick brings extensive experience managing complex budgets and operations in public institutions, as well as a deep understanding of Colorado,” Sobanet said. “As we begin a new academic year, our campus is looking to university leadership for clarity, transparency and thoughtful stewardship of our resources. We remain firmly committed to those priorities and to ensuring continuity in the important work of strategic budget management.” 

UCCS plans to conduct a full search for its next Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance in early spring 2027.